Tests after Warwickshire student contracts TB

[dutchman]

Students at a college in Warwickshire are to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) after a pupil tested positive for the illness.

The Health Protection Agency were notified of a case of TB at Etone College in Nuneaton.

In line with national guidance, family and close contacts of the student will be offered screening, along with pupils in Year 10 at the school.

The patient is receiving treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

Health officials said the risk of catching TB is small and generally requires prolonged and close contact with the infected person.

Tiny droplets

Dr Madhu Bardhan, consultant for the Health Protection Agency in Warwickshire, said: "We would like to reassure parents that the screening is being conducted in Year 10 pupils as a matter of precaution."

Dr John Linnane, director of public health, at NHS Warwickshire, added: "Effective treatment and testing is key as whilst most people cease to be infectious after two weeks, the treatment for TB does take six months."

TB is a bacterial infection spread by inhaling tiny droplets of saliva from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

Symptoms include night sweats, fever, weight loss and persistent coughing.