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Coronavirus evacuees are being monitored at Texas Center for Infectious Disease. So what is TCID?

Facility’s primary function is to treat tuberculosis patients

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Center for Infectious Disease is a resource not many locals know exists on the city’s South Side, and if they do, knowing what the center does might be more of a mystery.

TCID is currently home to at least five people who tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus after being brought to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said Tuesday that more than 18 people have been transferred off base, either to TCID or local hospitals, after showing symptoms of the virus or while awaiting test results.

Local leaders urge Department of Defense to keep coronavirus evacuees away from local health care facilities

It's unclear exactly how many of those 18 people are now at TCID.

The primary purpose of the facility, located at 2303 Southeast Military Drive, is to treat tuberculosis patients.

According to information provided online by the Texas Department of State Health Services, TCID has been treating TB patients since 1953, providing “patient care, scientific investigation and therapeutic and educational services.”

Since 2011, the center has had 75 beds with “integrated air quality and security systems” meant to prevent the spread of infection. According to a news release sent earlier this month, 22 rooms in a separate wing of the building have been designated for Coronavirus patients.

Patients being treated for TB usually stay at the facility anywhere between three months and more than two years.

Last fiscal year, TCID treated 109 patients, and 15% of those cases were considered to be drug-resistant.

The state says the facility is equipped to accept Tuberculosis patients from outside Texas, when needed.

As of Tuesday night, there were five confirmed COVID-19 patients in San Antonio. The CDC says a sixth patient who tested positive after being quarantined at JBSA-Lackland has transferred to a medical facility out of state.


About the Authors
Myra Arthur headshot

Myra Arthur is passionate about San Antonio and sharing its stories. She graduated high school in the Alamo City and always wanted to anchor and report in her hometown. Myra anchors KSAT News at 6:00 p.m. and hosts and reports for the streaming show, KSAT Explains. She joined KSAT in 2012 after anchoring and reporting in Waco and Corpus Christi.

Valerie Gomez headshot

Valerie Gomez is the video editor for KSAT Explains and the creator/producer of SA Vibes. She has worked in news for over a decade and has been with KSAT since 2017. Her work on KSAT Explains and various special projects has earned multiple awards including a Lone Star EMMY, a Gracie Award, three Telly Awards and a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.

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