A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak has been reported at a high school in San Francisco, specifically linked to Archbishop Riordan High School. This was detailed in a health advisory issued by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) on January 29. For context, tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Since November 2025, there have been three active TB cases among school staff, alongside more than 50 identified latent cases within the school population. Interestingly, latent TB isn’t contagious; however, about 5% to 10% of those with latent infections might develop active disease later on.
The advisory emphasizes that steps are being taken to provide preventive treatment to those affected. Students and staff experiencing any signs of illness have been instructed to stay home and seek medical clearance before returning to school. Moreover, tuberculosis evaluations will be mandatory for all school personnel and students, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. These assessments will be repeated approximately every two months until the outbreak is under control.
For those not involved with the outbreak, health officials state that no additional measures are necessary since the overall risk to the wider community remains low. A health alert highlights the fact that TB is airborne, meaning anyone can potentially transmit the disease simply by breathing.
Statistics indicate that over 565 TB-related deaths occurred in the U.S. during the last year for which data was recorded, with San Francisco’s fatality rate being reported at more than 10%. Consequently, understanding tuberculosis symptoms is crucial. Mild symptoms can include persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, or even night sweats. While many might overlook occasional coughing, it’s essential to remain vigilant as TB can affect various organs beyond the lungs.
Although it can be harder to identify, TB can be diagnosed promptly through specific tests. The standard treatment involves a course of antibiotics that must be taken daily for four to six months. Adherence to the entire course is vital; otherwise, there’s a risk of drug resistance, requiring alternative treatments.
Anyone can contract tuberculosis, particularly in crowded environments like hospitals, schools, and shelters, which are especially susceptible to outbreaks. Infants, children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, malnutrition, or those who smoke or consume excessive alcohol are at greater risk. To mitigate risks effectively, routine testing and treatment for potential infections are recommended.
A spokesperson for Archbishop Riordan High School has been contacted, but there has been no response yet.
