Health officials in California are on high alert after confirmed tuberculosis exposures at multiple schools, raising fresh concerns as cases of the deadly disease continue to rise across the state.
In Fresno County, officials confirmed a tuberculosis exposure at Justin Garza High School, where one active case was identified. Authorities have not said whether the infected individual is a student or staff member, but they stressed that no one on campus is currently contagious.
Still, the numbers are raising eyebrows. Out of 169 people who were potentially exposed, 22 have already tested positive for the infection. So far, those individuals are not showing symptoms, meaning they are believed to have latent tuberculosis rather than the active, contagious form.
Health teams are now working closely with the school to carry out contact tracing and testing, urging anyone who feels sick to stay home and get checked.
Tuberculosis, often referred to as TB, is a bacterial disease that typically attacks the lungs and spreads through the air when someone with an active infection coughs, speaks, sings, or even breathes.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
At the same time, a separate potential exposure has been reported in Southern California. Officials in San Diego County say a case may have impacted Sunset Elementary School in San Ysidro.
According to health authorities, that exposure window stretches from July 5 to October 21, 2025. Families and staff are now being notified, and free TB screenings are being offered to those who may be at higher risk.
Public health officials say those most at risk have likely already been contacted, but they are continuing outreach efforts to ensure no one slips through the cracks.
County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan warned that while many people infected with TB don’t get sick right away, the bacteria can remain in the body and become active years later if left untreated.
“Most people who become infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away,” the official said, noting that this is known as latent TB infection.
Health experts say simple blood or skin tests can detect the infection, even in those without symptoms.
The concern comes as TB cases in San Diego County have steadily climbed in recent years, rising from 193 reported cases in 2020 to 265 in 2025.
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So sick of hearing how diseases we had not seen here in a very long time are coming back. Outbreaks of the measles and other things always in sanctuary cities. I blame Biden and his band of clowns for just letting them all pour into our country unchecked.