A significant tuberculosis outbreak has prompted the immediate suspension of all in-person classes at a private Catholic high school in California's Bay Area, with health authorities confirming dozens of infections among students and staff members.
Health Emergency Declared at Archbishop Riordan High School
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has issued a formal health advisory following the discovery of tuberculosis cases at Archbishop Riordan High School. According to official reports, more than fifty individuals have tested positive for latent tuberculosis, while at least three confirmed active cases have been identified within the school community.
Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs and spreads through airborne transmission when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Health officials emphasize that only active TB cases are contagious, while latent infections pose no transmission risk to others.
Immediate School Response and Safety Measures
In response to the developing health situation, Archbishop Riordan High School President Tim Reardon announced comprehensive safety measures in a community letter. All traditional classroom instruction has been suspended, with students transitioning to remote learning through February 9th.
The school will implement a hybrid learning model continuing through February 20th, after which only students and staff members who have tested negative for tuberculosis will be permitted to return to campus facilities. This precautionary approach aims to contain potential spread while allowing educational continuity.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Health Monitoring
The first active tuberculosis case at the school was reportedly identified in November, triggering an extensive investigation and testing protocol that continues to this day. Health authorities are conducting thorough contact tracing and urging anyone with active TB symptoms to remain at home to prevent further transmission.
Medical professionals have issued specific guidance to local healthcare providers about recognizing tuberculosis symptoms, which can include persistent fever, chills, prolonged coughing, coughing up blood, and unexplained weight loss. While TB primarily affects the respiratory system, it can potentially spread to other organs, sometimes requiring hospital treatment.
Treatment Options and California's TB Landscape
Both latent and active tuberculosis infections can be treated with specialized antibiotic regimens, though complete treatment typically requires several months of consistent medication. The San Francisco Department of Public Health notes that "active TB is treatable and curable with appropriate antibiotics if it is identified promptly", while acknowledging that some severe cases may require hospitalization.
California maintains higher tuberculosis rates than the national average, with approximately 5.4 cases per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of about three cases per 100,000 people. Despite this elevated incidence, tuberculosis remains relatively uncommon in the state, with only seventeen new or ongoing outbreaks involving four or more people reported throughout 2024.
Public Risk Assessment and Continued Vigilance
Health authorities have characterized the risk to the general population as "low" despite the school outbreak, while emphasizing the importance of continued testing and monitoring at the affected institution until the situation is fully resolved. The public health advisory serves both to alert medical professionals and to implement preventive measures against wider community transmission.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of infectious disease management in educational settings and the critical importance of prompt public health responses to emerging health threats within community institutions.
