HUNTINGTON BEACH : 16 College Students Show Exposure to TB

Sixteen Golden West College students have tested positive for exposure to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, college officials said Thursday.

The tests were conducted this week on classmates of a former student who had active TB. The student left school about five weeks ago to begin in-home isolation treatment for the disease.

College officials estimate that about 100 students had attended four classes with the infected student since August.

Orange County Health Officer Hugh Stallworth said testing positive in a skin test is “not necessarily a big deal” because many people who are exposed to TB do not go on to develop the disease.

For instance, in a separate case at Golden West College in 1993, 55 students were exposed and were given skin tests. Twenty-two of those students had positive skin tests, but none had the disease.

Stallworth said the next step would be for the students to get chest X-rays to determine if they have active TB. They might receive other follow-up examinations and will be offered preventive medications if necessary.

TB is spread through the air when a person with infectious TB in the lungs coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings. While anyone can develop TB, those in close contact with the infectious person for a prolonged period of time are at greatest risk.

Golden West College President Philip Westin said administrators are considering a variety of options, including requiring a TB skin test for first-time students.

For students who did not attend the screenings this week, the college will offer free skin tests to current Golden West students or employees on Tuesday and Wednesday. An appointment and student or staff identification card is required.