Screening arranged for pupils after infectious disease tuberculosis confirmed in school by Public Health England

Public Health England in the East is today working with St Peter’s School in Huntingdon following confirmation of a case of TB at the school.

The pupil is receiving treatment and is no longer infectious.

Dr Bernadette Nazareth, consultant in communicable disease control with the PHE East of England Health Protection Team, said: “TB is a serious disease but the risk of catching TB infection is very small. It requires prolonged and close contact with somebody who has TB, such as someone living in the same house, and it can be completely cured with a course of antibiotics.

“As a precaution, we have been working with local TB Service nurses and St Peter’s School to arrange screening for those who have had sufficient close contact the individual while infectious.

“We will continue to liaise closely with the TB Service and members of the school over the coming weeks to assess whether any further advice or action is necessary.”

The school’s headteacher Christopher Bennett has acted to reassure parents that there is “nothing to fear”.

Dr Liz Robin, director for Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Public Health England have made Cambridgeshire County Council aware of this case and we are working with them and the school.

“We fully support the approach they are taking on this issue.”