Riders of the MTS Trolley Blue Line in San Diego have been alerted to a potential tuberculosis (TB) exposure between January 27 and February 29 of this year. The notification comes as the County’s Tuberculosis Control Program teams up with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to reach out to individuals who may have been at risk during their commute on the affected routes.
The concerning routes include the Trolley Blue Line's stretch from the 24th Street Transit Center to the Barrio Logan Transit Center, mainly from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the specified period. A further potential exposure was noted on February 16, during early morning and evening commutes between the San Ysidro Transit Center and Old Town Transit Center. Despite the sporadic nature of these occurrences, the County and MTS are taking measures to ensure at-risk individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems, are aware and can take necessary precautions with their health providers.
Much to the chagrin of public health officials, tuberculosis, once a diminishing health concern, has seen a resurgence in San Diego County. According to the County News Center, the region reported a significant jump to 243 cases last year, a stark hike from 208 cases in 2022. The report suggests that, even with the known decline of TB since the 1990s, the increase in cases in recent years could pose a renewed public health threat.
While the County is emphasizing the low likelihood of TB transmission due to the fleeting nature of the encounters on the Blue Line, the risk remains noteworthy for those with certain health conditions. "The risk from more limited exposures may be of particular concern to riders with compromised immune system," cautions the County's announcement, signaling an urgency for those affected to consult a medical professional regarding their potential exposure.
People who may have tested positive for TB but are asymptomatic should seek a chest x-ray and advice from a health provider, as they might have a latent form of the infection. Addressing TB in its dormant state with appropriate medication may prevent the onset of active TB disease. The Tuberculosis Control Program urges individuals to use their risk assessment screening tool to evaluate personal risk for TB, regardless of whether they were exposed during these events.
Concerned commuters are encouraged to contact the County Tuberculosis Control Program directly at (619) 692-8621 for further information and guidance on the potential TB exposure on the Trolley Blue Line.
