A investigation is underway after a case of TB was confirmed at a Welsh high school. The single case of tuberculosis has been diagnosed in an individual at The John Frost School in Newport.
Formerly known as Duffryn High School, the school has around 1,200 pupils aged between 11 and 18. As a precaution all students and teachers who have had contact with the affected individual will be offered TB screening. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
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, and that no outbreak has been declared. It is believed the individual attended the school premises when they unknowingly had the infection.
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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 and usually brings up phlegm which may be bloody, weight loss, night sweats, a high temperature, tiredness, a loss of appetite, and swellings in the neck.
James Adamson, acting consultant in health protection at PHW and chair of the multi-agency incident management team, 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.”
PHW has asked anyone associated with the school who has experienced any TB symptoms, or who may be concerned about their health, to visit NHS 111 Wales for more information on TB, or speak to their GP.
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