South Bay school at risk of potential tuberculosis exposure

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A potential tuberculosis outbreak was reported at Southwest High School in the Nestor neighborhood, per the County of San Diego.

The Sweetwater Union School District, along with the County's Tuberculosis Control Program, have notified students and staff about the possible exposure between Feb. 1 to May 22.

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that spreads through coughing, speaking, singing or breathing. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.

“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. For people who think they may have been exposed, blood tests and skin tests are an effective way to determine an infection,” said Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., MPH, County Public Health Officer.

Students and staff at increased risk of infection will be able to be screened for TB at no cost.

Last year in San Diego County, a total of 247 people were reported with active TB disease, local health officials said.

For more information on the potential exposure, call the County TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.