Tuberculosis Found at 2 Chula Vista Schools

An individual at MAAC Community Charter School (MCCS) and Options Secondary School was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) and may have exposed students and staff, County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported Friday.

HHSA is working with the Sweetwater Union High School District to notify those who were possibly exposed. The periods of potential exposure were from Aug. 8 to Sept. 20, 2012 at MCCS and from Oct. 19 to Nov. 9, 2012 at Options Secondary School.  

Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. In 2011, 263 cases of TB were reported in the county, and 196 cases have been reported so far this year.

“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” said Eric McDonald, M.D., M.P.H., county deputy public health officer. “TB usually requires many hours of close, indoor contact to spread to others so most people who are exposed do not develop the disease. When it does occur, it can be treated and cured with medication. That’s why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed.”

Free testing for students and staff who were potentially exposed will take place Nov. 27 at Options Secondary School, 467 Moss Street, Chula Vista and Nov. 28 at MCCS, 1385 Third Avenue, Chula Vista. 

For more information about these possible exposures, call the County of San Diego TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

– County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency