TUBERCULOSIS SCARE AT GROSSMONT AND CUYAMACA COLLEGES

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By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

May 10, 2018 (El Cajon) -- This is the time of year when students have final exams and graduation on their minds. But this May, students at both Grossmont and Cuyamaca College are wondering if they have been exposed to tuberculosis at either campus.

ECM’s media news partner, 10News, is reporting that The County of San Diego Health Department officials are actively working with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District to determine to what extent students at both campuses may have been exposed to the disease from January 30 and April 24th.

The college will be providing no-cost screenings to people who are identified as possibly having been exposed to TB.

According to San Diego County’s public health officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. She said to the County News Service that most people who are exposed do not develop the disease and TB can be treated and cured with medication.

Individuals who encounter the symptoms of TB or are immune-compromised are urged to see their medical provider to rule out having the disease.

Left untreated, TB can be fatal. Individual infected with TB bacteria who are not sick may still need treatment to prevent TB disease from developing in the future.

The County has not publicly identified who contracted TB, the circumstances, or the areas of the campuses the individual(s) frequented.

Follow Paul Kruze on Twitter and Facebook: @PaulKruzeNews


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