An Investigation has been launched after a case of tuberculosis (TB), linked to Blackwood Comprehensive School, was discovered, Public Health Wales (PHW) has announced.

The investigation will be carried out by PHW, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

According to PHW, there is “nothing to suggest” the case was contracted at the school, but rather they attended the school when they unknowingly had the infection.

PHW reiterated that no outbreak had been declared at the school, and it is just the single case so far.

However, all pupils and teachers who came into contact with the individual are being offered screening for TB.

Lika Nehaul, a Health Protection Consultant at PHW, said: “Following established infection control procedures we have identified individuals 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.”

Dr Nehaul stress that the risk of infection with TB to the general public “remains very low” but added: “We encourage parents, pupils and staff members to be aware of the symptoms.”

The school’s headteacher, Jane Wilkie, said: “The health and wellbeing of the school community is paramount and we are working closely with Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan Health Board and the local authority on this matter.

“Robust plans are in place and all appropriate support, reassurance and guidance is being provided in response to the emerging situation.”

Blackwood Independent councillor Nigel Dix said: “It’s a shock to us all, but we have to follow the advice issued by PHW and the council. If anybody has any concerns, contact the school, the council, or your local councillor.”

Anyone associated with the school who has experienced any TB symptoms is advised to speak to their GP or contact PHW’s Health Protection Team on 03000 030 032 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

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.