A Riverside County high school student has tested positive for tuberculosis, health officials confirmed Friday.
The Riverside University Health System – Public Health said the student, who attends Indio High School, is receiving treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
Officials said they have notified students, staff and families who may have had ongoing contact with the student between April and late 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,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said in a statement. “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.”
RUHS-PH said testing will be offered for individuals who may have been exposed. Anyone who tests positive will be sent for a chest X-ray and follow-up care. If no disease is detected in the lungs, treatment for latent TB is recommended to prevent the illness from becoming active.
“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,” said DSUSD spokesperson Tamara Wadkins, noting counseling services are available to students and staff.
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria spread through the air during prolonged or repeated close contact with an infected person, according to health officials. While most people with TB have a latent infection that causes no symptoms and is not contagious, active TB disease can lead to a persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss.
Riverside County reported 98 active TB cases in 2024, up from 63 cases in 2023.
For more information or resources, residents can contact RUHS-PH Disease Control at 951-358-5107.
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