Person diagnosed with tuberculosis used MTS bus

An individual recently diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) may have exposed others to the disease, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reported on Monday.

The individual rode Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 860.The county is working with MTS officials to notify individuals who were possibly exposed.

The period of exposure is from June 1, 2011, to Sept. 14, 2011. Persons who traveled on the 6:35 a.m. express bus (route 860) from Carmel Mountain Ranch toward downtown or who rode the 4:10 p.m. express (route 860) from Pacific Highway and Grape toward North County were potentially exposed.

“Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease, but when it does occur it can be treated and cured with medication. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the spread of TB to others. These are all reasons why it’s important to identify those who have been exposed.”

Individuals should contact their doctor for TB testing. Individuals who need testing and have no medical provider and those seeking more information may call the county TB Control Program at 619-692-8621.

To date, 179 cases of TB reported in San Diego County in 2011.