A tuberculosis outbreak at a San Francisco Catholic high school hasinfected or exposednearly one in five students and staff members, according to city health officials.
TheSan Francisco Department of Public Healthsaid 252 people connected to Archbishop Riordan High School tested positive for either latent or active tuberculosis between Nov. 10, and April 22.
Officials confirmed sevenactive TB casesand 241 latent infections within the school community.
Four additional people are still awaiting validation of chest X-ray results.
Health authorities said 228 people with latent tuberculosis are currently undergoing treatment.
Four others either declined treatment or were advised not to take it because of individual medical circumstances, while the treatment status of nine people has not been verified.
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“However, latent TB could develop into active TB, a serious illness, if left untreated,” health officials toldKRON. “Because of this, it is important for people with latent TB to get treated to protect their long-term health and the health of those around them.”
According to the department, people with latent tuberculosis infections are not contagious.
The school, located at 175 Frida Kahlo Way, now requires all students and staff to complete tuberculosis testing dated after March 9 and have medical clearance on file before returning to campus or participating in off-campus activities.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
