Department of Public Health Identifies Tuberculosis Case in San Francisco High School

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has identified one case of active tuberculosis (TB) in an individual associated with Archbishop Riordan High School. The individual is currently in isolation.

TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can be spread through the air when a person with active TB in their lung’s coughs, speaks, or breathes near others over an extended period of time. SFDPH is working with school officials to notify all those in the school community who have been in close contact with the individual in order for them to be tested for TB.

The most common way to become infected with TB is by spending an extensive amount of time with someone who has active TB. It seldom spreads to persons who spend a minimal amount of time with someone who has active TB. Symptoms of active TB include prolonged cough, fever and weight loss.

Many who contract TB will initially have no symptoms and are not contagious. This is called latent TB. People with latent TB may not show symptoms for months or even years. While people with latent TB are not sick or contagious, the infection may develop into active TB if left undetected and treated. Both latent TB and active TB are curable with treatment.

“The health of the school community is our top priority, and we thank Archbishop Riordan High School for their partnership in responding to this preventable and curable disease,” said San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip. “SFDPH will continue to work closely with the school to ensure that people in the community are safe and informed.”

A total of 91 active TB cases were reported in San Franciscans in 2024. SFDPH will inform the public if any additional action is needed to protect their health.