People at Southwestern College may have been exposed to drug-resistant TB: County

San Diego County’s Tuberculosis Prevention and Care Program Thursday announced a potential exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis for Southwestern Community College students and staff.

The exposure may have occurred between Oct.  27 and Dec. 14, 2025, at Southwestern Community College’s main campus on Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista, a statement from the county read.

According to the county, tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose, and people may be sick for months before receiving a diagnosis, which can lengthen exposure periods. This situation involves MDR-TB, a type of tuberculosis that does not respond to standard medications.

“Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis can be more complicated and lengthier to treat since it is a form of infection that does not respond to the usual medicines,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, county public health officer. “The good news is that TB, including MDR-TB, is treatable and curable with the right medication. If you believe you may have been exposed, contact the County Tuberculosis Department right away. Early screening and treatment is important to help protect your health and the health of our community.”

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease spread through the inhalation of bacteria from an infected person. County health officials said individuals in congregate settings such as schools are at higher risk of exposure.

Those who test positive, but do not have symptoms, likely have latent TB and are advised to get a chest X-ray and consult with a medical provider, health officials said.

TB cases in San Diego County have been on the rise since 2020. Health officials reported 193 cases in 2020, 201 in 2021, 208 in 2022 and 242 in 2023. In 2024, a total of 247 people were reported with active TB disease in San Diego County.

County health officials said an estimated 175,000 in the county have latent TB infections and said that without treatment, 5% to 10% of those people are at risk of developing active TB disease.

People who want more information on this potential exposure should call the County TB Prevention and Care Program at 619-692-8621.