A serious public health issue warning has reportedly been issued as numbers on the world's deadliest infection continue to rise in the UK, with one case confirmed at a school.
We're probably all sick (pardon the pun) of hearing about the latest deadly infection ever since the global pandemic, but health officials have now issued a warning after a surge in cases of a killer Victorian disease which makes patients cough up blood.
A report released last week warned of the 'disturbing wake-up call' in the rise of cases across Europe among children in particular. In the UK, numbers increased from 4,850 to close to 5,840 in 2024, while drug-resistant varieties are also seemingly on the rise.
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Now, parents and staff at Meridian Community Primary in Peacehaven, have been sent a letter to confirm that one child is suffering from the highly infectious disease, Tuberculosis (TB).
Children and staff in 'regular and close contact' with the case will need blood tests at Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital this week as a precaution the letter, which was penned by headteacher Claire Westcott, said. Other children will require screening tests at the school.
TB re-established itself recently as the world's most deadly infection, overtaking Covid-19, with 7.5million people diagnosed in 2022, which is reportedly the highest number ever recorded.
The bacterial infection affects the lungs and can lead to symptoms such as a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, fatigue, high temperatures or night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss and feeling generally unwell.
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Early symptoms can be confused with flu or coronavirus, but if you have a cough with mucus that persists for three weeks or more then you should see a doctor.
While there is a vaccine and antibiotics which can help protect people from TB, it can be extremely serious if left untreated.
Speaking to The Sun, Natalie Adams, from UKHSA UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South East team, said: “We are working closely with the school and following national guidelines, which include identifying those with greatest contact and arranging TB screening for them.
“As a precautionary measure we have decided to offer screening to some of those in the school to ensure no further onward transmission."
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TB is spread through close contact with people who have the infection and have symptoms (active TB).
When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time.
James Moorhouse