TB Outbreak In Devon School

Almost 200 children have been infected with tuberculosis after two pupils at Teign School in Devon caught the infectious disease.

18:47 17 September 2015

Almost 200 children have been infected with tuberculosis prompting a major TB screening programme. 1,400 pupils and 200 staff members were tested and less than 10 require treatment for active TB. The patients were all diagnosed within the early stages and were not yet infectious.

 

The situation is now under control.

 

Dr Sarah Harrison, Deputy Director of Health Protection for Public Health England South West, said: "We are pleased to say that the investigation is nearing competition and only a small number of people are still to be tested and continue to be followed up.

 

"The situation is under control and the risk of further infection within the school is now no greater than that in the general public.

 

"The year groups primarily affected were those of the two students with infectious TB.

"We did not find evidence of significant transmission affecting the Sixth Form during 2013/14 or Year 7 in 2014/15.

 

"Of those screened as school contacts, fewer than 10 people are being treated for active TB. These were all diagnosed in the early stages of disease. There have been no further infectious cases at the school.

 

"Consequently, we do not anticipate the need for any further screening at the school and it can continue to operate as normal.