A student at Indio High School has tested positive for tuberculosis, prompting more than 100 notices to be sent to those who may have been exposed to the individual in school earlier this year, Riverside County health officials announced Friday.
The student was receiving treatment and expected to make a full recovery, according to the county health department.
Working with Desert Sands Unified School District, county health officials said they sent exposure notification letters to students’ guardians, as well as faculty and staff members “who may have had on-going contract with the individual (from) April through end of May 2025.” As of Friday, 182 notifications had been sent, according to a Riverside University Health System spokesperson.
“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,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Jennifer Chevinsky said in a statement. “Given the rise in tuberculosis cases we’ve seen in our county, this is an important reminder that TB disease is both preventable and treatable.”
Tuberculosis testing will be offered to those who may have been exposed. If that test is positive, the individual will receive a chest X-ray and follow up with public health officials. (In most cases, people infected have a latent infection that has no symptoms, is not contagious and does not progress to active TB disease. The health department noted treatment for latent TB infection is still recommended, even if the X-ray shows no disease in the lungs, to avoid potential progression.)
School officials also notified staff and parents or guardians of students who were not considered at-risk and told them that no further action was needed.
“Desert Sands Unified School District is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff,” district spokesperson Tamara Wadkins said in a statement. “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.”
A total of 98 tuberculosis cases were reported in Riverside County in 2024, an increase from 63 cases the prior year.
How does tuberculosis spread?
Tuberculosis, which can be fatal without treatment, is mainly spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, speaks or sings. Their germs can linger in the air for several hours, depending on the environment, and they’re more likely to spread indoors or in places with poor air circulation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC notes that tuberculosis germs are not spread by shaking someone’s hand, sharing food or drink, touching bed linens, sharing toothbrushes or kissing.
Tom Coulter is a reporter for The Desert Sun. Reach him at tcoulter@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Indio High School student tests positive for tuberculosis; other students, staff warned
Reporting by Tom Coulter, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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