(KGTV) — San Diego health officials are warning anyone who may have traveled on a charter bus to an East County bingo event earlier this year.
Officials said a person who plays bingo at Viejas Bingo at the Viejas Outlets and rode the Sun Charter San Diego North Line to the facility has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.
The potential times of exposure happened during the afternoon and evening hours from May 10 to May 24, during the evening hours from May 25 to July 26, and again on Aug. 9 and 18.
RELATED: More than 500 sick from outbreak linked to McDonald's salads
County health officials are working with the bingo facility and charter bus company to notify those who may have come into contact with the individual. Those who visited the facility for gaming, or used the bus service during the listed times are asked to contact their doctor or County Public Health for TB screening.
Testing will be offered for free to the staff of the provided services beginning Sept. 24. Officials added that testing of this strain suggests a resistance to isoniazid, so those who test positive should let their doctor know.
"Testing is recommended for all those exposed to assure they are not infected, since initial infection usually has no symptoms," Wilma Wooten, County public health officer, said. "For any infected individuals, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the infectious form of the disease."
RELATED: Puppies to blame for drug-resistant infection in 118 people
Those who may have been in contact with the infected individual may not have contracted the illness. Prolonged exposure is needed to develop TB.
Tuberculosis is transmitted person to person through indoor air when an individual with TB coughs, speaks, or even sings, officials warned.
Symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. TB can be cured by antibiotics.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed can call County TB Control Program (619-692-8621), Viejas Bingo Risk Management (619-659-2422), or Sun Charter of San Diego (619-336-9206).
