Cluster of TB Cases Hit San Diego County
Three unrelated cases of Tuberculosis (TB) have surfaced in San Diego County. Two of the cases were reported in county sheriff’s detention facilities, while the third occurred at a local homeless shelter. One person has died.
Sheriff’s officials and those who may have been exposed at the shelter are being tested.
Exposure dates for the detention facilities were as follows:
- San Diego Central Jail: Aug. 20-Sept. 6, 2019
- Las Colinas Detention Facility: Oct. 16-Oct. 18, 2019
- George Bailey Detention Facility: Sept. 6-Sept. 15, 2019
Exposure dates for the Temporary Bridge Shelter located at 16th St. and Newton Ave. were Aug. 20, 2019-Sept. 9, 2019.
TB is a rare and potentially serious infectious disease of the lungs. About 2,000 Californians are affected each year according to the state’s Department of Public Health. TB diagnoses are rising, especially among homeless populations. In 2017, 75% of California counties saw at least one case of TB.
