UCSD and TB Now

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is working with UCSD to provide tuberculosis testing to students and faculty who may have been exposed to a student who has been diagnosed with the disease.

The student last attended classes on February 19, and emails have been sent to those students, staff, and faculty who have been identified as being at risk.

"TB is treatable and curable," said public health officer Wilma Wooten, “but 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 but have no medical provider may call the TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

The UCSD TB case is the 19th in San Diego so far this year. In 2009, the county had 223 reported cases; in 2007 there were 280.