INDIO >> Health officials were working Friday to identify individuals who may have come into contact with an Indio High School student suffering from active tuberculosis to advise them to obtain TB screenings.
According to the Riverside County Department of Public Health, the youth, whose name was not disclosed, fell ill in the spring, prior to the end of the academic year in the Desert Sands Unified School District.
DSUSD administrators are now working with the county to ensure anyone who was in close physical proximity to the teenager in April and May is aware there were potential exposure risks.
“Our team is working closely with the school to identify anyone who may have had close contact with the student and ensure they receive appropriate testing and follow-up care,” county Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said. “Given the rise in tuberculosis cases we’ve seen in our county, this is an important reminder that TB is both preventable and treatable.”
The health department and district did not say how many people may have been exposed to the patient, who is under home isolation and expected to fully recover.
“Desert Sands is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff,” district spokeswoman Tamara Watkins said. “We appreciate the work of public health officials as they guide our response and provide support to our school community. Counseling services are available to assist any student or staff member who may feel unsettled during this time.”
TB screening, which is available via private healthcare providers or at county clinics, begins with a cursory skin test. If that turns up positive, the person is asked to take a chest X-ray to confirm infection.
The disease is spread through coughing, sneezing, singing or speaking. Infection generally requires prolonged or repeated exposure to the originating source. People cannot be infected through hand-shaking, kissing or handling bedding and toilet seats, according to medical sources.
Officials noted some people can be infected with TB without manifesting symptoms, which include fever, coughing, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and chest pain. Those with inactive TB are typically not infectious.
The total number of county residents diagnosed with TB to date this year stands at 26. Officials said there were 98 confirmed cases in 2024, compared to 63 in 2023.
Anyone with questions or concerns was encouraged to contact the Riverside University Health System’s Disease Control Office at 951-358-5107.