A tuberculosis outbreak at a Catholic high school in San Francisco has affected nearly 20% of students and staff, as reported by health officials.
According to the San Francisco Department of Public Health, from November 10 to April 22, 252 individuals connected to Archbishop Riordan High School tested positive for either latent or active tuberculosis.
There are seven confirmed active cases, while 241 potential cases have been identified within the school community.
Additionally, four more individuals are waiting for chest X-ray results to be verified.
Health officials stated that 228 individuals with latent tuberculosis are currently receiving treatment.
The remaining four have either declined treatment or couldn’t proceed due to specific medical conditions, and the treatment status of nine others remains unconfirmed.
A health representative noted, “If untreated, latent TB can progress to active TB, which poses serious health risks.” They emphasized the importance of treatment for those with latent TB to safeguard both their health and the health of those around them.
It’s worth mentioning that individuals with latent tuberculosis do not transmit the disease to others.
The school, located at 175 Frida Kahlo Way, now mandates that all students and staff complete a tuberculosis test, along with providing a medical clearance dated March 9 or later, to return to campus or engage in off-campus activities.
This outbreak first gained public attention in February when health officials started investigating numerous tuberculosis cases tied to the private Catholic school.
Since November, more active cases have been confirmed, along with additional latent cases among those affiliated with the school.
Tuberculosis primarily attacks the lungs and can lie dormant in the body for years before it potentially becomes a serious issue.
While people with active tuberculosis can spread the disease and exhibit symptoms, those with latent infections might not feel ill and are not contagious, but they do face the risk of developing active tuberculosis in the future.
In February, health officials assessed that the risk to the general public was low, as the focus remained on the high school community.
