Health officials are investigating after a case of tuberculosis was identified at a school in Wales.

One person had tested positive for the deadly infection at The John Frost School in Newport, according to authorities.

They also said there was ‘nothing to suggest’ it had been contracted while on the premises.

It said in a statement that ‘no TB outbreak has been declared and a probe is ongoing. Pupils and staff are being screened.’

James Adamson, from Public Health Wales (PHW), said: ‘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.

‘I would stress that the risk of infection with TB to the general public remains very low however, we encourage parents, pupils and staff members to be aware of the symptoms.’

TB has been around for thousands of years. From 1600 to 1800, it was responsible for around 25 per cent of all deaths in Europe.

It is an airborne disease that spreads through close contact with infected people.

It usually affects the lungs and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Anyone with links to The John Frost School who has experienced symptoms should contact their GP or PHW’s health protection team on 0300 00 300 32.

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