TB victim at town school

The mass screening is being carried out as part of the children's BCG vaccination, which is being brought forward a couple of years because of the TB case.

However, a leading health official and the school's head, Jayne Wilson, have stressed it is extremely unlikely that anyone else at the school will have been infected.

The year 7 pupil diagnosed with TB has responded "very well" to treatment and was able to return to school before the half-term holiday started on Friday.

Dr David Hagen, of the Chichester office of the Health Protection Agency, said: "Children with tuberculosis are rarely a source of infection in schools. We are working with NHS specialists to provide the school and family with the best possible advice."

The screening will take place at the beginning of July, and will consist of a brief questionnaire and a "Heaf" skin test, which is examined a week later. Those with a negative skin test will be offered the BCG vaccination.

In the case of a positive test, further investigations may be recommended. However Dr Hagen pointed out that most people with a positive skin test did not have TB. Modern treatment of TB, he added, was highly effective and resulted in a complete cure, as long as the treatment was taken and completed, as instructed.

The school sent out letters to parents of all 2,000 pupils and on Friday Mrs Wilson held a meeting for parents of year 7 children '” aged 11 and 12. However, only a handful attended, which the head felt demonstrated the parents' confidence in the way both the school and health officials had tackled the situation.

Mrs Wilson told the Gazette: "The bacteria is slow-growing, and it can be eight to 12 weeks before there is a very good chance of diagnosis, if anything has been passed on. But none of us are expecting that.

"We have followed all the guidelines and advice to the letter, for the health of our pupils and staff.

"The child concerned had some time off school, but is now back and making fantastic progress. We are delighted with that."

Dr Hagen said that, while in West Sussex only a couple of cases of TB each year were reported, in London it was "practically a weekly event".

"The fact that this case has involved a child means that they have more contact with other people than adults might have, which is probably why it has had a higher profile."

TB is usually spread through prolonged close contact with someone who has the infection of the lungs.

Anyone requiring further information should telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.