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Six children in positive TB tests Six children in positive TB tests
(1 day later)
Six children have had positive readings after screening at two Swansea schools where a teacher and her three children were diagnosed with tuberculosis. Health officials have acted to reassure parents after six children tested positive for tuberculosis at two Swansea schools.
Health chiefs say this does not necessarily mean the children who will now be sent for chest X-rays have TB. The pupils will now be sent for chest X-rays after the screening at Gorseinon infants and junior schools.
Some 150 pupils at Gorseinon infants and junior schools have taken part in the screening. Health chiefs say this does not necessarily mean the children have TB.
The TB tests, which will be repeated in six weeks time, follow a teacher and her three children, who attend the schools, being diagnosed.
Some 150 pupils at Gorseinon have taken part in the screening.
The teacher at the infants school has been off work since March, while her children were diagnosed last week.The teacher at the infants school has been off work since March, while her children were diagnosed last week.
Parents have also been very co-operative and supportive Dr Mac Walapu
The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) said the risk of TB which can only be spread by very close contact developing further in the schools was "very low".The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) said the risk of TB which can only be spread by very close contact developing further in the schools was "very low".
Dr Mac Walapu, a consultant in communicable disease control with the NPHS, said: "A positive test does not necessarily mean the child has TB.Dr Mac Walapu, a consultant in communicable disease control with the NPHS, said: "A positive test does not necessarily mean the child has TB.
Sterile proteinSterile protein
"A positive result can be caused by a reaction to a grievous BCG vaccination or to exposure to TB at any time in the past."A positive result can be caused by a reaction to a grievous 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," he said."It can also be caused by exposure to other germs similar to TB which are mostly harmless," he said.
Altogether 172 children at the two schools have so far been offered screening as well as adults who have been in close contact with the affected teacher and her children.Altogether 172 children at the two schools have so far been offered screening as well as adults who have been in close contact with the affected teacher and her children.
The NPHS said many at the schools did not need testing.The NPHS said many at the schools did not need testing.
The tests - carried out on Wednesday - involved injecting a small amount of purified sterile protein just under the skin in the forearm. Clinical staff then read out the results of the tests on Friday.The tests - carried out on Wednesday - involved injecting a small amount of purified sterile protein just under the skin in the forearm. Clinical staff then read out the results of the tests on Friday.
The tests for TB will be repeated for children in years one, four and six on 12 June - six weeks after their last contact with the children diagnosed with TB and when the test will be most accurate.The tests for TB will be repeated for children in years one, four and six on 12 June - six weeks after their last contact with the children diagnosed with TB and when the test will be most accurate.
Dr Walapu said: "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 said: "We have had very good support from the education authority and staff in the school. Parents have also been very co-operative and supportive.
A helpline on 0845 6003678 has been opened and is available Monday to Friday between 0700 BST and 2000 BST until Friday, 18 May.A helpline on 0845 6003678 has been opened and is available Monday to Friday between 0700 BST and 2000 BST until Friday, 18 May.