Nursery School Children Treated For TB

Thirty-three children from a nursery school are being treated for tuberculosis, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has revealed.

The Agency was first alerted to the problem in late July when an adult associated with the Knightsbridge Kindergarten in Easton Square, central London, was diagnosed with TB.

Seven children have been diagnosed with an active infection, and have been put on a six-month course of antibiotics.

A further 26 children came into contact with the patient, but don't have signs of TB. The will require a shorter course of antibiotics.

The adult who was diagnosed with TB is receiving appropriate treatment and is no longer infectious.

The HPA also said in a statement that further tests are still being examined, and "because TB can be difficult to diagnose in children, it is possible that some children may require further tests to ensure they are properly diagnosed and treated if necessary".

Dr Brian McCloskey, the Agency’s Director of the London Region said: "We carry out screening for TB on a regular basis in London, however this incident is very unusual because of the number of children and adults who have been affected.

"It is too early to say why so many children and adults have been infected and we will be looking into this over the coming weeks.

"A possible explanation for this may include that the initial case was particularly infectious and had been suffering from symptoms for eight months before doctors had diagnosed TB."

He concluded: "It is important to remember that TB is an entirely treatable infection and that anyone identified as being infected can be treated. Those children who have come into contact with the patient, but not developed any symptoms or signs in their chest X-rays will also be offered a shorter course of antibiotics to clear the bacteria from their body."

Around 3,300 people in London are diagnosed with TB per year. The infection usually affects the lungs, and symptoms include a dry irritating cough and fever.

(JM)