At least three TB cases in San Francisco have been confirmed at Archbishop Riordan High School, located in the city’s Westwood Park area. This outbreak is prompting a strong public health response and community concern.
In November 2025, the first case of active TB linked to Archbishop Riordan High School was identified by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). Since then, over 50 members of the school community have tested positive for latent TB infection (LTBI).
Public health officials have classified the situation as an outbreak and are conducting a large-scale contact investigation. All students and staff are being screened for TB regardless of symptoms, with repeat testing required every eight weeks until the outbreak is contained.
What is The Safety Response For Rising TB Cases In San Francisco
When these TB cases in San Francisco were identified, local public health authorities moved quickly:
- In-person classes were suspended, with students shifting to remote learning through 9th February, followed by a hybrid remote/in-person model through 20th February. Only individuals with negative TB test results will be permitted back on campus after that date.
- Mandatory testing for all students and staff — everyone at the school must be screened by health officials, with testing deadlines in place and consequences for non-compliance.
- Contact tracing is ongoing to find anyone who may have had close exposure, helping to isolate potential new cases early.
- Symptom monitoring and indoor mask recommendations have been issued to reduce further transmission risk.
- Health officials have communicated with families and staff via town halls and regular updates, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
Officials describe that “the current risk is at a ‘moderate’ level, noting that while not as contagious as diseases like measles, TB still spreads through prolonged close contact and can be serious without treatment.”
How Does TB Spread Within People
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can impact other parts of the body as well. It spreads when someone with active TB in their lungs coughs, talks, or breathes near others, releasing bacteria into the air that can be inhaled.
There are two basic forms of TB:
- Latent TB infection means the person carries the bacteria but does not show symptoms and is not contagious.
- Active TB is when bacteria multiply and cause symptoms; this form is contagious and requires treatment.
Common tuberculosis symptoms include:
- Persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks
- Fever and night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
Symptoms often overlap with common respiratory illnesses, making early identification harder without testing.
The residents of San Francisco are told to take precautions and get tested if any doubts arise.
How Serious Is This TB Outbreak In San Francisco
Health professionals emphasize that Tuberculosis outbreaks are relatively rare in the United States, especially in school settings. However, once exposure happens, especially in a community like a school where people spend extended time together, there’s a real risk of spread without prompt action.
The outbreak has extended beyond classrooms. Several high-school basketball games involving Riordan teams were postponed or canceled due to health concerns among opponents and parents, even though no formal restrictions were preventing the teams from playing.
West Catholic Athletic League matchups versus Sacred Heart Cathedral were postponed, and a highly anticipated nonleague girls’ game against San Ramon Valley was canceled by mutual agreement, with San Ramon Valley scheduling an alternate opponent.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, highlighted that TB can take up to 10 weeks to show up on tests after exposure, adding to the challenge of identifying all infected individuals early.
TB is curable with antibiotics, though treatment is longer than for many other common infections, often several months. Even latent infections can be treated to prevent progression to active disease.
What You Should Do About the TB Outbreak
If you are part of the affected community or concerned about TB cases in San Francisco more broadly, here’s what public health officials recommend:
- Get tested as required: follow all school and health department instructions on TB screening.
- Watch for symptoms: report persistent cough or other TB symptoms to a healthcare provider promptly.
- Follow masking and safety guidance when indoors or in contact with others at risk.
- Stay informed: schools and public health officials are providing regular updates as tests and contact tracing continue.
Community support and cooperation remain essential in controlling the current situation and safeguarding everyone’s health.
TB Cases In San Francisco and Beyond
While the spotlight is now on the school outbreak, TB is not entirely unknown in San Francisco. Public health data shows hundreds of active tuberculosis cases in recent years in the city, largely due to global travel, population density, and latent infections that can activate over time. reflecting ongoing public health work in screening, treatment, and prevention.
TB remains uncommon, but it remains a global health concern, with higher burdens in many parts of the world. Local occurrences like this highlight the importance of surveillance, early detection, and community awareness to prevent spread.
To Conclude
The confirmation of multiple TB cases in San Francisco at Archbishop Riordan High School has put a spotlight on tuberculosis and the work required to manage contagious disease in community settings.
With coordinated public health efforts, testing, and clear guidance, the goal is to protect students, staff, and families while stopping further spread.
By staying informed and following recommended safety steps, communities can respond effectively to outbreaks like this, minimizing health risks and ensuring supportive care for those affected.reaks like this, minimizing health risks and ensuring supportive care for those affected.
