SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) confirmed a third active case of tuberculosis (TB) at Archbishop Riordan High School on Tuesday, marking a significant public health concern for the co-ed Catholic institution.
The tuberculosis outbreak, now officially recognized, has prompted immediate action to prevent further transmission.
Public Health Response and TB Testing Measures at Archbishop Riordan High School
In a statement to SFGATE, SFDPH officials assured that all students and staff are undergoing TB testing, with contact tracing implemented to contain the outbreak.
Related Article: West Coast States Form Health Alliance to Provide Evidence-Based Vaccine Guidance
The first confirmed TB case was reported in November, with the affected individual isolated, minimizing public risk. Following this, the school intensified precautions, including symptom monitoring, mandatory indoor masking, and activity adjustments to curb transmission risks.
All students and staff are required to retest between January 20 and February 13, with a deadline of February 20 for testing compliance. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a temporary ban from campus access.
Despite the outbreak, parents and students remain confident in the school’s handling of the situation, reports the Daily Mail.
Archbishop Riordan High School, which enrolls around 1,150 students and employs hundreds of staff members, continues to collaborate with health authorities to ensure safety and compliance with public health directives.
What is Tuberculosis? TB Risks, Symptoms, and San Francisco Health Concerns
Tuberculosis, an airborne bacterial disease formerly called “consumption,” is known for causing symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss. It normally is active in only 5-10% of people, but poses significant risks for young children and people with compromised immunity, reports KTVU.
If untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, highlighted that while TB outbreaks are uncommon in the U.S., the emergence of three cases at a single school is concerning.
Related Article: Measles Costs $16,200 Per Case, New Review Finds
“It’s quite easily transmitted in closed settings, and none of us are immune in the United States,” Dr. Gandhi explained to SFGATE.
Although a vaccine exists, it is not routinely administered in the U.S., making prevention through early detection and treatment critical.
The newly detected case at Riordan has prompted a comprehensive restart of the testing and infection control processes to identify any further exposures. The SFDPH continues to monitor the situation closely, aiming to prevent additional cases.
San Francisco reported 91 active TB cases in 2024, with 2025 data still pending.
