A student at Patrick Henry High School has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and may have exposed other pupils, staff and faculty to the disease, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.
The county and San Diego Unified School District are working together to notify those who have been in close contact with the student since the beginning of the academic year in September.
"TB testing will be provided for the school on Jan. 11," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county public health officer. "Testing is important for those who are at risk, in order to identify individuals with early infection
before they become ill with TB. The good news is that TB can be treated and cured with medication."
Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, as prolonged close contact is needed to pass it to others.
This is the 190th case of TB in San Diego County so far this year. There were 229 cases reported in 2009.
