Tuberculosis screening results to be announced next week

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The results of a tuberculosis (TB) screening programme will be announced “before the end of next week”, Public Health Wales (PHW) has confirmed.

It comes following a confirmed case linked to Blackwood Comprehensive School last month.

All pupils and teachers who came into contact with the individual were offered screening for TB. PHW has confirmed around 200 people, or 92% of those offered screening, have now been tested.

The screenings took place on Tuesday, January 25. The confirmed case was announced by PHW five days earlier.

A “small number” of people who were unable to attend the screening session were offered screening this week

However, PHW reiterated that no outbreak has been declared at the school – with just a single confirmed case so far.

An investigation into the confirmed case is being carried out by PHW, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection which mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect the abdomen, glands, bones and nervous system.

It is spread by inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, bring up bloody phlegm, weight loss, night sweats and a high temperature.

Other symptoms include tiredness and fatigue, loss of appetite and swelling in the neck.

While TB can be a serious condition, it can be cured if treated with the right antibiotics, according to the NHS website.

A course of antibiotics is usually needed for six months to treat the infection.

Isolation is not needed for people with TB, but it is recommended anyone infected should stay away from work or school until advised otherwise.

Infected people are also advised to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing, avoid sleeping in the same room as others and to keep windows open to allow air to flow.

According to the NHS website, most healthy people will be able to kill the bacteria and therefore show no symptoms. People who have TB but show no symptoms are not infectious to others.