Riverside City College student diagnosed with tuberculosis

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Riverside City College student has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and county health officials are reaching out to those who may have been exposed.

The student, who was not identified due to confidentiality requirements, is being treated and is expected to recover.

Although risk of transmission is low, Riverside County health officials are sending out letters to students and parents of students under 18 who may have been exposed to the illness. Riverside City College will notify potential staff members if they have been exposed.

Those who receive the notice are asked to take a TB skin test.

Tuberculosis is spread through prolonged contact with a person with active tuberculosis, such as breathing air exhaled by the sick person. Symptoms include a cough, unexplained weight loss, fever and feeling tired.

TB exposure does not make a person contagious. Inactive TB does not spread to others.

Anyone with concerns is asked to call their health care provider or the Public Health Department Disease Control at (951) 358-5107.