LA MESA (CNS) - Someone at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa was diagnosed with tuberculosis and may have exposed others to the disease, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced Monday.
The HHSA is working with school officials to notify anyone who might have been exposed to TB between Aug. 5 and Nov. 13. Free testing for students will take place Dec. 1 at the school at 7323 University Ave.
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, but those that do develop symptoms can be treated and cured with medication," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "That's why it's important to identify those who have been exposed."
Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region but has been decreasing in recent years.
To date, 184 cases have been reported in 2015. Last year, 220 cases were reported in the county and the 2013 total was 206 -- the lowest number since local TB cases peaked at 469 in 1993.
More information on the Helix High case is available by calling the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
