A Riverside County student has tested positive for tuberculosis, the Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH) department reported Friday, and efforts are underway to notify those who may have been exposed to the disease.
The Indio High School student is currently receiving treatment and expected to make a full recovery.
RUHS-PH worked with Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) officials to send exposure notification letters to students’ guardians, faculty and staff members who may have had on-going contact with the individual April through end of May 2025.
“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,” said Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Riverside County Public Health Officer. “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.”
TB testing will be offered for individuals who may have been exposed. If the test is positive, the individual will be sent for a chest X-ray and then follow up with Public Health. If the chest X-ray shows no disease in the lungs, treatment for latent TB infection is recommended to prevent progression to active TB illness.
Faculty, staff and parents or guardians of students who are not considered at-risk were notified of the potential TB exposure and informed that no further action was needed.
“Desert Sands Unified School District is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. 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,” said Tamara Wadkins, Public Information Officer for DSUSD.
TB is a disease caused by bacteria that is spread through the air during prolonged, repeated and close contact with someone who has infectious TB disease. In most cases, people infected with TB have a latent infection that has no symptoms, is not contagious, and does not progress to active TB disease, especially with the appropriate treatment. Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.
In Riverside County, 98 active TB cases were reported last year, an increase from 63 cases in 2023.
For questions or resources, call RUHS –PH Disease Control at 951-358-5107.
