A recent outbreak of Tuberculosis (TB) this year from Apr. 28 to Sept. 22 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center of San Diego, Federal Bureau of Prisons, prompted the San Diego County of Health and Human Services to notify individuals who may have had exposure.
Prolonged contact with individuals potentially infected with TB may produce active symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. This bacteria may be airborne but, most people who are exposed do not become infected. TB disease is not known to cause a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, but it may be responsible for more severe symptoms.
Seeing a medical provider upon suspicion of TB infection is important as it can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Not everyone will exhibit symptoms of infection. San Diego is no stranger to TB. In 2020 192 cases were reported county wide but numbers have decreased steadily since the early 1990’s.
Free testing for all identified detainees and prison staff is offered at no cost through the HHSA’s TB Control Program for individuals who have been released and do not have a medical provider.
“Testing is recommended for people who were exposed to assure they are not infected, since initial infection usually has no symptoms,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “For any infected individuals, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease.”
For more information on this potential exposure, contact the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
