San Diego County health officials said Wednesday they are working to notify people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis at Southwestern College between Aug. 20 and Nov. 8.
The county did not reveal whether the confirmed tuberculosis patient was a student, instructor or otherwise at the school.
Free tuberculosis testing will be offered to students who may have been exposed. The testing is planned for Dec. 3-14 at the school’s Student Health Services building at 900 Otay Lakes Road, room 601F.
“The initial infection usually has no symptoms, so we recommend testing for all those exposed to assure they are not infected,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer. “For any infected individuals, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease.”
TB is transmitted via indoor air and contact with an infected person, but most people avoid infection. People with symptoms of infectious TB — persistent cough, fever, unexplained weight loss — are advised to promptly see their doctor and begin an antibiotic regimen.
Residents seeking more information about the potential exposure can contact Southwestern College’s Student Health Services department at (619) 482- 6354, and the county tuberculosis control program at (619) 692-6354.
— City News Service
