UPDATE: A tuberculosis outbreak has prompted Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco to cancel in-person classes for Friday and suspend them next week following a third confirmed active case. This alarming situation has led to the cancellation of numerous sporting events, raising concerns among students and staff.
Just announced, students will transition to remote learning, with assignments posted online starting February 9. The school plans to implement a hybrid model from February 9 to February 20, allowing students who test negative to return to campus. “We’re having online school for like a week, so everyone can get their tests, which I think is a really good decision to make,” said freshman Emma O’Neill, highlighting the school’s commitment to safety.
As the school collaborates with the city’s public health department on contact tracing, testing for all students is expected to be completed by February 13. Alongside the three active TB cases, officials have identified an alarming 50 cases of latent infection.
Students expressed mixed feelings about the outbreak, with senior Ashling Greene acknowledging the school’s transparency. “A tiny bit, I know the school has been keeping everyone informed,” she stated, reflecting a sense of cautious reassurance amidst the crisis.
The initial TB case was reported back in November, but officials warn that the disease can take between two to ten weeks to incubate. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UCSF, explained the potential for false negatives during earlier screenings. “It can be transferred even more easily than someone living in a household,” he noted, emphasizing the risk in a school environment where students are often in close contact.
Public health officials will reassess testing results every eight weeks until the outbreak is officially declared over. As concerns grow, the community remains vigilant, prioritizing health and safety above all.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. If you’re following the story, share this information to keep others informed!
