San Diego City Wire

San Diego County's Tuberculosis Program is collaborating with San Diego College of Continuing Education to inform individuals who may have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB). Potential exposure occurred at the Cesar E. Chavez campus from November 27, 2023, to February 29, 2024, on weekdays between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., primarily in the Computer Lab in room 307. Due to TB's ability to linger in the air for several hours, those who used the lab later in the afternoons might also be at risk.

The Tuberculosis Program operates under the Public Health Services department of the County’s Health and Human Services Agency. TB is an airborne disease transmitted through inhalation of bacteria released when an infected person coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. People with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to someone with TB should get tested.

“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., County public health officer. “Most people who become infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away. This is called latent TB infection. Some who become infected with tuberculosis will become ill in the future, sometimes even years later if their latent TB infection is not treated. Blood tests and skin tests are an effective way to determine an infection.”

Individuals testing positive for TB but without symptoms of active tuberculosis should undergo a chest x-ray and consult a medical provider as they likely have latent TB infection. Treatment for latent TB can prevent future illness.

Those exhibiting symptoms of active TB or those who are immunocompromised should seek medical advice promptly to rule out active tuberculosis and discuss treatment options.

TB cases in San Diego County have been increasing after decades of decline. In the early 1990s, more than 400 cases were reported annually. In recent years, there were 193 cases in 2020, 201 in 2021, and 208 in 2022. In 2023, a total of 243 cases were reported.

Approximately 175,000 people in San Diego County have latent TB infection; among them, an estimated 5% to 10% risk developing active TB disease without preventive treatment.

For further information on this potential exposure or personal risk assessment for TB infection using the County’s screening tool, individuals can contact the County Tuberculosis Control Program at (619) 692-8621.