A person at El Camino High School was diagnosed with tuberculosis, making it the first case of this year, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency.
The person may have exposed students and staff between Oct. 6 and Dec. 21 last year. It is unclear if the individual is a student or employee at El Camino HS.
This is the first case of TB reported in the county, according to HHSA. Last year there were more than 230 cases in the county, which the county said is not uncommon.
“Tuberculosis usually requires many hours of close, indoor contact to spread to others, so most people who are exposed in classrooms do not get infected or develop the disease,” said public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten.
Symptoms of TB includes persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. It can be treated and cured with medication, according to HHSA.
“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.”
HHSA is working with the Oceanside Unified School District to notify those who were potentially exposed. Free testing for those who may have been exposed will take place on Jan. 29 and Feb 26 at the school at 400 Rancho del Oro Dr.
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