A Metropolitan Transit System bus rider who was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis may have exposed others to the disease, the county's Health and Human Services Agency reported.
HHSA is working with MTS to notify riders who took the 6:35 a.m. express bus route 860 from Carmel Mountain Ranch toward downtown, or the 4:10 p.m. express route 860 from Pacific Highway and Grape toward North County, during the exposure period between June 1 and Sept. 14.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss, according to Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer, who said most people who are exposed do not develop the disease. Tuberculosis can be treated and cured with medication, Wooten said.
"Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the spread of TB to others," she said. "These are all reasons why it's important to identify those who have been exposed." Individuals who may have been exposed should contact their physician for testing. Anyone who needs to be tested and does not have a medical provider should call the County TB Control Program at (619) 692-8621.
