TB case confirmed in Belfast Primary School

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has received notification that a pupil at St Joseph’s Primary School, Slate Street, Belfast has been diagnosed and treated for suspected Tuberculosis (TB).

An information letter and TB fact sheet have been sent to pupils at the school as a precautionary measure.

Dr Michael Devine, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, said: “I would like to reassure parents and those who attend the school that children with TB are rarely infectious to others and the risk to pupils and staff at the school is low. There is no indication that this pupil was infectious to other people.”

The PHA is working with colleagues from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and St Joseph’s Primary School to ensure an appropriate response at the school in line with standard practice.

Dr Devine continued: “TB is a serious but curable infectious disease which normally affects the lungs but it can affect other parts of the body. It is usually spread through the air when a patient coughs or sneezes. TB is a difficult infection to catch and usually requires prolonged close contact.”

Mrs McQuillan, Principal at St Joseph’s Primary School, said: “The school is cooperating with the Public Health Agency to ensure the safety of pupils."