Tuberculosis, a scourge of humanity since the time of the ancient Babylonians, resurfaced at Southwestern College this Spring.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Public Health Services (PHS) and Southwestern College are investigating a Tuberculosis exposure on the main campus from September 10, 2019 through February 21, 2020.
HHSA recently finished a separate investigation that found an undisclosed number of students and employees were exposed between Aug. 26 and Dec. 10 of 2019.
Students and staff identified as at risk were given the option to be tested on school grounds by the nursing department or their own primary care physicians.
Tuberculosis is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. There are two categories, latent and active. Tuberculosis can be fatal if not treated and has killed millions around the world throughout recorded history, including Babylonian kings, Greek philosophers, friends of Shakespeare and the OK Corral gunfighter Doc Holladay.
Campus nursing staff decided to take a precautious approach, implementing a double test rule. Students and faculty were tested twice to rule out any false positives or negatives. The one-week re-test also helped determine if further symptoms developed.
SC also offered tests for students and staff who were not contacted by college health officials for $11.
