SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego County health officials announced they are working Wednesday to notify students, faculty and staff at Mar Vista Academy who may have been exposed to tuberculosis.
According to the Health and Human Services Agency, students, faculty and staff at Mar Vista may have been exposed between Feb. 10 and May 3.
HHSA officials will provide free testing next week to students who may have been exposed, while the Sweetwater Union High School District will offer testing to potentially exposed staffers.
Tuberculosis is generally transmitted through the air or contact with an infected person. Roughly one-third of those exposed to the bacterial disease will develop it, according to the HHSA, but most avoid infection. Tuberculosis symptoms can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplainable weight loss.
"If you have symptoms of TB or a problem with your immune system, you should discuss TB with your medical provider and be evaluated," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer.
Tuberculosis testing will be provided for students on May 28 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mar Vista Academy. The county did not disclose when staff and faculty will receive testing.
Residents can receive more information on the exposure period by calling the county's TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.
