Children Offered TB Testing in Forth Valley

As a precautionary measure, around fifty schoolchildren who attend three schools in Forth Valley are to be offered screening for TB (tuberculosis). The youngsters have been identified as having been in contact with a child who has recently been diagnosed with TB, although health officials stress that the risk of infection is very low.

Individual letters giving details of the screening process, which involves a simple blood test, have been sent by NHS Forth Valley to the parents or guardians of all children involved, together with a leaflet giving more information about TB.

Dr Jennifer Champion, NHS Forth Valley Consultant in Public Health Medicine said: "There is no need for either pupils or teachers at the schools to be worried as the risk of transmission is very low. However in keeping with national guidance we are screening all close contacts, including pupils who have been in the same class as this child."

Screening will take place at three schools - Denny High, Wallace High in Stirling, and Raploch Primary School in Stirling - and will be organised by NHS Forth Valley staff who will work closely with local school nurses

Three separate schools are involved as the child moved from a P7 class to a secondary school. Several teaching staff are also being offered screening.

TB is caused by bacteria and can be treated successfully with antibiotics.