Thread: CA-VISTA: Case of TB discovered at Vista High School

VISTA: Case of TB discovered at Vista High School
| Monday, April 14, 2008 3:14 PM PDT ∞

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VISTA -- County health workers are offering tuberculosis skin tests to some Vista High School students after one of their classmates was diagnosed with the disease, officials said Monday.

School officials identified roughly 120 students and employees who could have been exposed to the disease last month and have sent letters home, offering them free skin tests at the campus.

The school has worked to make sure that parents are aware of the situation and has made automated phone calls to the homes of all students, Principal Larry White said.

White stressed that so far the case is an isolated one and said it's completely safe for students to attend school.

"Student safety is our number one concern at Vista High," he said. "We're definitely exercising precaution."

Though it's rare for tuberculosis to pop up at schools, it does happen from time to time, including a case last year at Felicita Elementary School in Escondido.

In 2007, there were 280 cases of the disease reported throughout San Diego County.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to it do not develop the disease.

For more information, contact the county Tuberculosis Control Program at (619) 692-8621.

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Vista High student diagnosed with TB

SIGNONSANDIEGO NEWS SERVICES

3:25 p.m. April 14, 2008

SAN DIEGO – A Vista High School student was diagnosed with tuberculosis, prompting county health officials Monday to notify classmates, faculty and staff who may have been exposed.
School officials have notified about 120 students, teachers and staff that were potentially exposed to the disease between March 1-28, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

“Tuberculosis is in our community,â€

I posted a reply. I grew up in Vista and it has always been bad, but nothing like what it is now. This really hits close to home-but doesn't surprise me a bit!

Most people who are exposed to it do not develop the disease.

And that is VERY reassuring!