Tuberculosis cases, public-health response, school reopening

San Francisco’s public health authorities have identified an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) at Archbishop Riordan High School, prompting a coordinated public-health response. Over 200 cases of latent TB have been reported among students and staff, marking a significant increase in documented infections linked to this outbreak.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has issued updated guidance to manage the situation, emphasizing comprehensive contact tracing and community risk communication. Despite the outbreak, health officials have assessed the risk to the general public as low, given the effective containment measures and the nature of latent TB infections, which are not contagious.

In response to the outbreak, Archbishop Riordan High School initially shifted to remote learning but is now set to fully resume in-person classes starting Monday. This decision comes after thorough public health assessments and the implementation of safety protocols to prevent further transmission.

Key points of the public-health response include:

• Rigorous contact tracing to identify individuals exposed to active TB cases
• Screening and testing of students and staff
• Clear communication with parents, students, and the community to provide updates and guidance
• Monitoring of the situation to ensure containment and safety

While the outbreak has raised concerns, officials underscore that with proper precautions, the risk remains manageable. The focus remains on swift intervention, transparent communication, and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and the broader community as the school resumes normal operations.