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Classes at a prominent Catholic high school in San Francisco have been halted following the detection of a tuberculosis outbreak that has affected both students and staff. With over 50 individuals found with latent TB and three confirmed active cases, the Archbishop Riordan High School community is grappling with the implications of this public health crisis.
Health Advisory Issued
The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has issued a crucial health advisory in response to the outbreak. The advisory highlights that tuberculosis, a bacterial infection primarily targeting the lungs, is airborne and transmissible when active, but not when latent. Latent TB does not present immediate risk to others, yet the presence of active cases has raised alarms. In a letter to the school community, President Tim Reardon announced the suspension of in-person classes, urging students to transition to remote learning until February 9, followed by a hybrid model until February 20. After this transition, only those who have tested negative for TB will be permitted on campus.
Timeline of Events
The outbreak reportedly began with the first active case identified in November 2025. In the wake of this alarming development, health officials are conducting extensive testing at the school, continuously monitoring the situation. They have advised anyone diagnosed with active TB to remain at home to prevent further spread. Despite the serious nature of the situation, the SFDPH has reassured the public that the overall risk to the wider community remains low.
Symptoms associated with tuberculosis include fever, chills, persistent cough, coughing up blood, and significant weight loss. Although TB primarily affects the respiratory system, it can spread to other organs, necessitating hospitalisation in more severe instances. Health officials have underscored the importance of early identification and treatment, noting that both active and latent TB are manageable with antibiotics, although treatment regimens can extend over several months. In San Francisco, the case fatality rate for untreated active TB exceeds 10%.
California’s TB Landscape
California continues to grapple with higher rates of tuberculosis than the national average. In 2024, the state recorded an incidence rate of 5.4 cases per 100,000 individuals, compared to the national average of approximately three cases per 100,000. Despite these figures, tuberculosis remains a relatively uncommon affliction within the state, with only 17 reported outbreaks involving four or more cases last year.
The SFDPH is actively working to inform local healthcare providers about the outbreak, aiming to curtail any potential spread of the disease. Community awareness and vigilance are key components of their strategy to combat TB’s resurgence.
Why it Matters
The suspension of classes at Archbishop Riordan High School underscores the fragility of public health in educational settings, particularly in areas with rising TB rates. As health officials race to contain this outbreak, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public health measures and community cooperation in mitigating infectious diseases. Ensuring timely testing and treatment can make a significant difference in controlling tuberculosis, ultimately protecting vulnerable populations and preventing future outbreaks in schools and beyond.
