County Reports Possible Tuberculosis Exposure at Santana High

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Someone who was diagnosed with tuberculosis could have exposed others at in Santee and at the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency.

The potential exposure at the high school happened from Feb. 15 to June 1. County health officials were working with the Grossmont Union High School District to notify those who were potentially exposed and testing will be conducted at the school Tuesday, county officials said.     

"We urge those people who were potentially exposed to get tested, in order to catch an infection early before a person becomes ill with TB," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer.

"TB can be treated and cured with medication, and that's why it is important to identify."

The Health and Human Services Agency was also working with county probation officials to notify staff and detainees at the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility who may have been exposed May 18-20, May 25-28 and June 1, officials said.

Those who attended an open house at the facility May 19 were not exposed and had no contact with the individual, officials said.

County health officials will provide testing for staff and those still in custody. Those who were released after the exposure period will be referred to their health care providers or the County TB Control Program, officials said.

Symptoms of active tuberculosis include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most who are exposed to the disease do not develop it as prolonged exposure to someone who has it is required to spread tuberculosis to others, according to county health officials.

Those without a medical provider who need to be tested or who need more information were asked to call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.

-City News Service

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