What to Know
- People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day.
- TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another.
- If you have been around someone who has TB disease, you should go to your doctor or your local health department for tests.
Approximately 40 students of the University of San Diego may have been exposed to tuberculosis, according to campus officials.
The school is working with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency to contact those students who may have been exposed to the disease between March 28 and June 20.
Most people who are exposed do not become infected, experts say, but free testing is being offered on campus.
“Testing is recommended for all those exposed to assure they are not infected, since they may not have symptoms,” Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer said in a written news release. “For anyone infected, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent disease.”
Students identified by campus officials as having possible exposure may be tested on a walk-in basis from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on July 18, 20, 23, 24 and 25 at USD Student Health Center located in Maher Hall, Room 140, located at 5998 Alcala Park.
Symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.
Local
Individuals who would like more information on this potential exposure should call the USD Student Health Center at (619) 260-4595 or the County of San Diego TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
