California Private School Grapples with Tuberculosis Outbreak After Third Confirmed Case
An exclusive private school in California is now confronting a declared tuberculosis outbreak following the confirmation of a third active case. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) announced the latest diagnosis at Archbishop Riordan High School on Tuesday, elevating the situation to outbreak status as defined by the National Institutes of Health.
Campus Closure and Precautionary Measures Enacted
In response to the escalating health concern, the co-educational Catholic campus has been temporarily shut down, with all school-wide events cancelled indefinitely. Public health officials have mandated a series of stringent precautions, including symptom monitoring, indoor masking protocols, and adjustments to activities designed to minimise transmission risks.
The school, which charges approximately $30,000 annually in tuition, serves a community of around 1,150 students alongside hundreds of staff and faculty members. The identities of the three affected individuals—whether students, teachers, or administrators—remain undisclosed by authorities.
Testing Timeline and Incubation Challenges
The initial confirmed case was reported back in November, with the affected person immediately placed in isolation to limit public exposure. Following that incident, students and staff were required to undergo testing between January 20 and February 13. This testing window accounts for tuberculosis's lengthy incubation period, which can extend up to ten weeks before a positive result manifests.
Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection that often mimics cold or flu symptoms initially, spreading through coughs and sneezes. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic for months or even years, though the condition can become severe without proper medical intervention.
Community Response and Leadership Assurance
School President Tim Reardon emphasised that safety remains the paramount priority for the entire Riordan community. "We will take every measure available to ensure the safety and wellbeing of faculty, staff, students, and their families," Reardon stated, committing to provide frequent and consistent updates throughout the situation.
Despite the outbreak declaration, some parents and students expressed measured confidence in the school's handling of the crisis. "I'm not worried, I think everything will be fine," remarked Karla Rivas, mother of a sophomore student and a newborn. Student Alejandro Rosales echoed this sentiment, noting his recent negative test result while acknowledging the close-contact nature of school environments.
Local Context and Historical Background
San Francisco documented 91 active tuberculosis cases throughout 2024, with 2025 statistics still pending finalisation. Archbishop Riordan High School, originally established as an all-boys institution in the Westwood Park neighbourhood of the Bay Area, has educated notable alumni including NFL players Eric Wright and Donald Strickland, wrestler Tony Jones, and soccer player Steve Ryan. The school maintains strong recognition for its competitive sports programmes alongside its academic offerings.
