CHULA VISTA, Calif. - A person at Southwestern College was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis and may have exposed others, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced Wednesday.
The HHSA is working closely with school officials to notify people who were potentially exposed between March 8 and May 27.
"Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease," said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the county deputy public health officer. "But it's important to identify those who have been exposed because TB can be treated and cured with medication."
The college is providing free testing to students, faculty and staff through Aug. 26 at the Health Services Center at the Chula Vista campus, 900 Otay Lakes Road. Those who might have been exposed are asked to call (619) 482-6354 to make an appointment.
According to the HHSA, symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. The illness is not uncommon in the San Diego region but the number of cases has leveled off in recent years.
There have been 120 cases of TB reported in the county so far this year, the HHSA reported. There were 234 cases reported in 2015 and 220 in 2014.
Individuals who would like more information can call County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
