Tuberculosis exposure reported at South Bay school

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A Chula Vista school was potentially exposed to tuberculosis (TB) this year.

Students and staff at Innovation High School, located at 310 Broadway, have been notified of the potential exposure to TB from June 1 to Sept. 4, according to the County of San Diego.

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.

Those who test positive for TB should get a chest x-ray and talk to a medical provider.

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

In 2024, a total of 247 people had active TB disease in San Diego County, per the local health officials.