Parents have been issued with a dire warning after a deadly Victorian disease was detected in a UK school. 

A single case of tuberculosis (TB), an infection of the lungs, has been reported at The John Frost School in Newport, Wales.

Students and teachers at the school, home to around 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18, who have had contact with the infected individual are having to undergo a TB screening as a precaution.

Public Health Wales (PHW), Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Newport City Council are investigating the case.

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They were also clear that no outbreak has been confirmed. 

It is believed the individual attended the school premises when they unknowingly had the infection.

Local GPs are aware of the issue, health chiefs added, saying the disease is difficult to transmit.

Acting consultant in health protection at PHW and chair of the multi-agency incident management team, James Adamson said: “Following established infection control procedures we have identified people who may have had contact with the individual concerned.

“These individuals have been contacted and offered screening for TB which is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. Local GPs have been informed.

“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.

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“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.”

The NHS says TB typically affects a person’s lungs. While it can be treated with antibiotics, it can be considered a serious infection if left untreated.

Symptoms include:

• A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Phlegm which may be bloody
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• High temperature
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Swellings in the neck.

PHW has asked anyone associated with the school who has experienced any TB symptoms, or who may be concerned about their health, to speak to their GP or contact PHW’s health protection team on 0300 00 300 32.

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