SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The county’s Tuberculosis Control Program is collaborating with The Cove at La Jolla Post-Acute Care Center to inform current and former residents, as well as employees, of potential exposure to tuberculosis. The facility, located at 7160 Fay Ave. in La Jolla, has identified exposure dates ranging from Feb. 17, 2024, to Sept. 16, 2024. Health officials are particularly concerned as the evidence indicates that the strain of tuberculosis may be drug-resistant. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed, along with healthcare providers caring for those with known exposures, are urged to contact the county Tuberculosis Control Program at (619) 692-8621 for further guidance. City council approves demolition to begin on Oceanside Pier It is important to note that some medications commonly used to prevent TB following exposure may not be effective in this case, according to health officials. "TB is an airborne disease that spreads from person to person through inhalation of the bacteria," explained Dr. Ankita Kadakia, county interim public health officer. "It can be difficult to diagnose, and individuals may remain asymptomatic for months after exposure." Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Those with prolonged indoor exposure to an infected individual should seek testing. Effective treatments are available for those diagnosed with active TB, and it is especially crucial for symptomatic individuals and those who are immunocompromised to consult a medical provider. Current estimates indicate that approximately 175,000 people in San Diego County have latent TB infection, with 5-10% at risk of developing active TB disease without preventive treatment, according to health officials. Following a concerning trend, the number of active TB cases in San Diego County has risen since 2020, reaching 243 reported cases in 2023, a 17% increase that has returned the county to pre-pandemic levels. "Most people infected after exposure to tuberculosis do not get sick right away," Dr. Kadakia explained. "This is termed latent TB infection. However, untreated latent infections can reactivate and lead to active TB disease years later." Individuals who test positive for TB but do not exhibit symptoms should receive a chest x-ray and consult with a medical provider to manage their condition. Preventive treatment for latent TB infection can significantly reduce the risk of future illness. The county encourages those who may have been exposed to take these recommendations seriously and to seek medical advice to ensure their health and safety.