TB EXPOSURES AT SANTANA HIGH SCHOOL AND KEARNY MESA JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY

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County Health Working with School and Probation Officials to Notify Students, Juveniles and Staff

June 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Santana High School and the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility have had tuberculosis (TB) exposures, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has reported.

HHSA is providing TB testing and working with the Grossmont Union School District to notify those at Santana High School who were potentially exposed to a person diagnosed with TB. The potential exposure occurred from Feb. 15 to June 1. Testing will be conducted at Santana High school on June 12.

HHSA is also working with County Probation officials to notify detainees and staff of Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility who may have been exposed to the individual diagnosed with TB. The dates of the exposure to staff and detainees were: between May 18 to May 20; between May 25 to May 28; and June 1.  

Members of the public who attended Kearny Mesa’s juvenile hall open house May 19 were not exposed because they had no contact with the individual with TB.

HHSA will  provide testing to staff and individuals still in custody at the facility. Juveniles who have been released since the exposure period will also be notified and will be referred to either their health care providers or the County TB Control Program for testing information. 

“We urge those people who were potentially exposed to get tested, in order to catch an early infection before a person becomes ill with TB,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “TB can be treated and cured with medication, and that’s why it is important to identify.”

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. Prolonged close contact with an individual who has TB is required in order to spread the disease to others. 

Individuals who need testing and have no medical provider, or need more information, may call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621. 


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