California health officials confirmed tuberculosis exposures at multiple schools across the state, with 22 people testing positive for the infection at one Fresno County high school alone. The developments mark the latest escalation in California’s growing tuberculosis crisis as cases continue climbing statewide.
Fresno County Cluster Emerges
Fresno County officials confirmed a tuberculosis cluster at Justin Garza High School, where one active infection was discovered. Of the 169 people exposed to the disease on campus, 22 tested positive for TB infection, though none have developed symptoms yet. Authorities did not specify whether the original active case involved a student or staff member, but emphasized that no one currently on campus poses a contagion risk.
Health officials are conducting contact tracing and testing in partnership with the school. They urged anyone experiencing symptoms to stay home immediately. Tuberculosis warning signs include coughing up blood, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, severe fatigue, and sudden unexplained weight loss. The bacterial disease primarily attacks the lungs and appears in both active and latent forms.
Tuberculosis cases started rising in 2021 – the year Biden took office and started bringing in over 10 million illegals. https://t.co/xfoDXfGQBF
— Marley Miles (@MarleyMiles69) April 30, 2026
San Diego County Reports Second Exposure
San Diego County officials announced Wednesday that Sunset Elementary School in San Ysidro experienced a potential tuberculosis exposure between July 5, 2025, and October 21, 2025. Health officials are working with the San Ysidro Elementary School District to notify families and staff, offering free tuberculosis screenings to students and employees identified as higher risk. County officials said those at highest risk may have already received direct contact from health authorities.
County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan explained that tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active disease coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. She warned that most people infected with tuberculosis do not become sick immediately, developing what doctors call latent TB infection. Without treatment, some people with latent infections will develop active disease years later.
Rising Cases Across California
San Diego County has documented a steady increase in tuberculosis cases over recent years. Reported cases climbed from 193 in 2020 to 265 in 2025, representing a 37 percent increase. The recent school exposures add to a troubling pattern of tuberculosis incidents spreading across California communities. Blood tests and skin tests remain effective methods for determining infection, according to health officials who encourage anyone concerned about potential exposure to seek testing promptly.
