Tuberculosis Cases Reported At Two Colleges In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Health officials said Monday they are working to notify people who may have been exposed to tuberculosis at two college campuses in San Diego County. The unrelated tuberculosis cases were reported at MiraCosta College and San Diego City College.

People may have been exposed to tuberculosis at the MiraCosta College Community Learning Center between Aug. 20 and Nov. 15 and at San Diego City College between Sept. 14 and Oct. 10.

Free tuberculosis testing will be offered to students who may have been exposed at both campuses. Testing will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at the MiraCosta College Community Learning Center at 1831 Mission Ave. in Oceanside. Testing will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the San Diego City College at 1313 Park Blvd. in San Diego.

For both exposures, identified faculty and staff will be tested by their respective occupational health programs.

"Symptoms of active tuberculosis include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss and can be treated and cured with medication," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "Most people who are exposed do not become infected but those who are can prevent disease by taking medication."

Tuberculosis is transmitted via indoor air and contact with an infected person, but most people avoid infection. People with symptoms of infectious tuberculosis are advised to see their doctor and begin an antibiotic regimen.

Residents seeking more information about the potential exposures can contact the MiraCosta College Community Learning Center at 760-795-6675, San Diego City College at 619-388-6922, and the county tuberculosis control program at 619-692-8621.

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