TB Exposure Reported at County Juvenile Facility

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working with County Probation officials to notify detainees and staff of the Camp Barrett juvenile treatment facility who may have been exposed to an individual diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). The potential exposures occurred from Dec. 1 until Feb. 6.

HHSA is working with County Probation to notify those who were potentially exposed, and is providing TB testing to staff and individuals still in custody.

“Probation officials have identified all staff and juveniles – both those still in custody and those who have been subsequently released – that may have been exposed to this individual during the infectious period,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “HHSA recommends that individuals speak with their health care provider about getting tested.”

TB is treatable and curable, but most people who are exposed do not develop the disease. Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Prolonged close contact with an individual who has TB is required in order to spread the disease to others.

Individuals who need testing and have no medical provider, or need more information, may call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.

Tuberculosis is not uncommon in the San Diego region. This is the 21^st case in 2010. In 2009, there were 223 cases reported in San Diego County.

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