AN investigation is underway after a case of tuberculosis was identified at a school in Wales.
Health officials confirmed one person had tested positive for the deadly Victorian infection at The John Frost School in Newport.
AlamyA case of tuberculosis has been confirmed in a Welsh school[/caption]
Google Street ViewThe John Frost School in Newport[/caption]
But they insisted there was “nothing to suggest” it had been contracted while on the premises.
No TB outbreak has been declared and a probe is ongoing. Pupils and staff are being screened.
James Adamson, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said: “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.”
Around 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18 attend the school.
TB has been around for thousands of years. From 1600 to 1800, it was responsible for around 25 per cent of all deaths in Europe.
It is an airborne disease that spreads through close contact with infected people.
It usually affects the lungs and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, exhaustion, a high temperature and weight loss.
Treatment often includes a course of antibiotics, but TB is developing greater resistance.
Anyone with links to The John Frost School who has experienced symptoms should contact their GP or PHW’s health protection team on 0300 00 300 32.
What is TB and what are the symptoms?
TB is an airborne disease that spreads through close contact with infected people.
It usually affects the lungs and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Sometimes no symptoms will appear. But if they do, the most common include:
A cough that lasts more than three weeks (sometimes with mucus and/or blood)
Feeling tired or exhausted
A high temperature or night sweats
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Feeling generally unwell
If TB has spread to another part of the body, you may also experience:
Swollen glands
Body aches and pains
Swollen joints or ankles
Tummy or pelvic pain
Constipation
Dark or cloudy pee
A headache
Being sick
Feeling confused
A stiff neck
A rash on the legs, face or other body part
Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, but TB is developing greater resistance.
Source: NHS