Southwestern College and the county Health and Human Services Agency are offering free tuberculosis testing to students, faculty and staff who may have been exposed to the disease from Mar. 8 to May 27.

Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, deputy county public health officer, said Wednesday afternoon that his department has already identified and contacted about 150 people known to be in close contact with a female student who attended the Chula Vista community college campus and tested positive for the bacterial infection that can be deadly if not treated with antibiotics.

Because tuberculosis spreads through the air with coughs, sneezes and other activities that can spread spores in tiny water droplets, the county regularly reaches out to the public when a case is confirmed with a person who regularly frequents public places.

It is extremely unlikely that a few stray droplets will cause infection. Prolonged exposure is required.


“The guideline is 16 hours of cumulative exposure or four hours at once,” Thihalolipavan said.

It is important to understand, health officials say, that the bacteria which causes tuberculosis often lies dormant for years before becoming invasive, so even those without symptoms should be tested if they have been in close and prolonged contact with someone who was infected.

Testing for anyone who was potentially exposed will be available at Southwestern College Health Services, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, through Aug. 26. Call (619) 482-6354 to make an appointment.

Tuberculosis symptoms include: persistent cough, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, lack of appetite and weakness or fatigue.


So far this year the county has confirmed 120 tuberculosis cases. There were 234 cases reported last year and 220 in 2014.