The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported today that two people, one from High Tech High Media Arts near Loma Portal and another from Southwest High School in Otay Mesa West, have been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
The two cases are unrelated, according to the County Communications Office, and it is unconfirmed whether the two patients are students or school staff.
The period of potential exposure in the case at Southwest High is between March 5 and May 15. The person diagnosed with TB has recently started treatment. Students who may have been exposed at Southwest High will be offered free testing on campus on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The period of potential exposure at High Tech High is from February 20 to May 15. Students who may have been exposed at High Tech High will be offered free testing on campus on June 7 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The HHSA is working with officials from both schools to notify those who may have been exposed.
“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer said in a written release. “Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but when it does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication.”
San Diego has seen 74 reported cases of TB in 2016, and 234 cases were reported in 2015.
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For more information on TB and the potential exposure, call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
