A warning has been issued to parents after a case of a deadly Victorian disease was confirmed at a UK school.
A single case of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported at The John Frost School in Newport, Wales.
The secondary school has as many as 1,200 pupils from ages 11 to 18, with students and teachers who have had contact with the infected individual having to undergo a TB screening as a precaution.
Public Health Wales (PHW), Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Newport City Council are investigating the case, but insist there is nothing to suggest that the individual contracted the bacterial infection at the school.
They also insist that no outbreak has been declared. It is believed the individual attended the school premises when they unknowingly had the infection.
Health chiefs also say local GPs have been made aware, while explaining the disease is difficult to transmit, Wales Online reports.
Acting consultant in health protection at PHW and chair of the multi-agency incident management team, James Adamson said: “Following established infection control procedures we have identified people who may have had contact with the individual concerned.
"These individuals have been contacted and offered screening for TB which is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. Local GPs have been informed.
“This is a routine process, and if any other positive TB infections are identified as a result, appropriate treatment will be offered.
"TB is difficult to transmit. It requires close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual for a person to become infected.
"In this instance, and to limit the potential spread of infection, we are treating all pupils and teachers who may have had contact with the individual as close personal contacts.
"I would stress that the risk of infection with TB to the general public remains very low. However, we encourage parents, pupils and staff members to be aware of the symptoms."
What are the symptoms of TB?
TB usually affects a person’s lungs, according to the NHS. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be considered a serious infection if left untreated.
Symptoms include:
- A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
- Phlegm which may be bloody
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- High temperature
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Swellings in the neck.
PHW has asked anyone associated with the school who has experienced any TB symptoms, or who may be concerned about their health, to speak to their GP or contact PHW’s health protection team on 0300 00 300 32.
