9:30am Saturday 23rd May 2009
By Kim Lusher
A case of potentially infectious tuberculosis (TB) has been diagnosed in a pupil at Thames Ditton Junior School.
It is believed that 27 pupils and seven teachers were exposed to the pupil, who is responding well to treatment according to the school in Mercer Close.
The school would not confirm where the TB was contracted from.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is leading the response to the case and those identified as having had close prolonged contact will be offered screening in the form of a simple skin and/or blood test.
Screening shows whether there is latent infection, but a positive result does not mean the person has the disease.
However, it may mean they have become infected and will need treatment in order to prevent the disease from becoming active in later life.
The screening will not happen until later this month, as there is a risk of false negatives in testing too early, according the HPA.
Local GPs have been alerted and the HPA’s Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit (HPU) has advised parents about signs and symptoms of TB, which include fever and night sweats, persistent coughing, loss of weight and blood in sputum.
Nick Fry, headteacher at the school, said: “The welfare of our pupils and staff is our number one concern.
"We have been closely following guidelines given to us by the HPA and they have been very supportive. We have also kept the local authority fully informed.”
Dr Kevin Carroll, consultant in communicable disease control at the HPU, said: “The risk to anyone of catching TB in this way is extremely low, but as a precaution we will offer screening to those who may have been exposed.”
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.surreycomet.co.uk