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Schools screening for TB begins | Schools screening for TB begins |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Screening of 172 pupils in two Swansea schools for TB is underway after a member of staff and her three children were diagnosed with the infection. | |
Pupils at Gorseinon Infants and Junior Schools are being offered a skin test for the disease. | Pupils at Gorseinon Infants and Junior Schools are being offered a skin test for the disease. |
The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) said the chances of the infection spreading within the school were very low. | The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) said the chances of the infection spreading within the school were very low. |
The four diagnosed with TB are said to be responding well to treatment. | The four diagnosed with TB are said to be responding well to treatment. |
The teacher at Gorseinon Infants School has been off work since the end of March, while her children were diagnosed with TB last week. | The teacher at Gorseinon Infants School has been off work since the end of March, while her children were diagnosed with TB last week. |
Mac Walapu, of the NPHS, said the screening for TB was normal procedure in such cases. | Mac Walapu, of the NPHS, said the screening for TB was normal procedure in such cases. |
TB can be spread from person to person | TB can be spread from person to person |
He said: "The test involves injecting a small amount of purified sterile protein just under the skin in the forearm. | He said: "The test involves injecting a small amount of purified sterile protein just under the skin in the forearm. |
"The test can be read two to three days later. We will be seeing every tested child later this week to read the reaction. | "The test can be read two to three days later. We will be seeing every tested child later this week to read the reaction. |
"A positive test does not necessarily mean the child has TB. A positive result can be caused by a reaction to a previous BCG vaccination or to exposure to TB at any time in the past. | "A positive test does not necessarily mean the child has TB. A positive result can be caused by a reaction to a previous BCG vaccination or to exposure to TB at any time in the past. |
"It can also be caused by exposure to other germs similar to TB which are mostly harmless." | "It can also be caused by exposure to other germs similar to TB which are mostly harmless." |
The NPHS said there would be no final results available this week and children at the two schools would be monitored until the end of June. | The NPHS said there would be no final results available this week and children at the two schools would be monitored until the end of June. |
Dr Walapu added: "We have had very good support from the education authority and staff in the school. Parents have also been very co-operative and supportive." | Dr Walapu added: "We have had very good support from the education authority and staff in the school. Parents have also been very co-operative and supportive." |
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