The San Diego County Health And Human Services Agency announced Thursday possible Tuberculosis exposure among students and staff at Boys& Girls Club’s National City location and some boys & Girls Club summer campsites.
County Health Officials warn that the possible period of exposure ran from May 28, 2022, to Nov.8, 2022. The HHSA Public Health Services department said it has worked closely with the Boys and Girls Club officials to help identify and notify those with a high risk of exposure to Tuberculosis (TB).
No-cost testing will be provided to individuals at increased risk for infection.
“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Most people who become infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away. Some who become infected with tuberculosis will become ill in the future, sometimes even years later. Blood tests and skin tests are effective to determine whether someone has been infected. All those notified of a high risk of exposure are encouraged to receive no-cost testing.”
According to the San Diego County Health officials, Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person to person through inhalation of bacteria from the air.
The bacteria are spread when someone sick with TB coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. People with frequent and prolonged indoor exposure to a person who is sick with TB should get tested.
According to Wooten, testing is recommended for people who were exposed to assure they are not infected, since initial infection usually has no symptoms.
“For any infected individuals, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease,” Wooten said.
Individuals who would like more information on this potential exposure are asked to call Boys and Girls Club National City at (619) 452-1859 or San Diego County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
