San Diego County officials announced on Mar. 19 that members and visitors of Iglesia Ni Cristo in Miramar may have been exposed to multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) during services held between Sept. 19 and Dec. 3, 2025. The potential exposure occurred primarily during the church’s Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services.
The notification is important because MDR-TB does not respond to standard medications, making it more challenging to treat than typical tuberculosis cases. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing further spread within the community.
County health authorities said people who believe they may have been exposed or healthcare providers caring for patients with TB should contact the County Tuberculosis Control Program for guidance, especially if they test positive following the exposure. Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer, said, “Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis can be more complicated and take longer to treat but it is both treatable and curable with the right medication. If you believe you may have been exposed to MDR-TB, contact the County Tuberculosis Department right away. Early screening and treatment help protect your health and the health of our community.”
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease transmitted when someone sick with TB coughs, speaks, sings or breathes. Those with symptoms or weakened immune systems are advised to seek medical care promptly to rule out active disease and discuss treatment options. Of an estimated 175,000 people in San Diego County who have latent TB infection, between five and ten percent will develop active TB without treatment.
The number of active TB cases in San Diego County has increased each year since 2020: from 193 cases in that year to 247 in 2024. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains less common; three people were diagnosed with this form in San Diego County in 2024. There is no known association between this recent exposure at Iglesia Ni Cristo church and any previously announced MDR-TB exposures in San Diego.
San Diego County Government supports historic preservation and community development through various boards and initiatives, according to the official website. The county delivers essential services through groups focused on public safety, health and human services, land use and environment, finance and general government, as well as community services according to its official website. The Board of Supervisors provides legislative leadership with Sarah Aghassi serving as interim chief administrative officer according to county information.
The broader implications of this case highlight ongoing public health challenges related to infectious diseases across urban, rural, mountain, and desert regions served by San Diego County as reported by county sources. Officials encourage anyone potentially affected by this exposure or concerned about their risk for tuberculosis to seek testing promptly.