More TB cases found at school

The cases in Newport were confined to year 10 pupils

Two further cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed following a screening programme of pupils at a south Wales high school.

The testing of 1,100 pupils at Duffryn High School in Newport, were undertaken after eight year 10 pupils were discovered to have TB back in April.

TB under the microscope

Health chiefs said a follow up screening programme had successfully indicated the problem had been confined to year 10 pupils.

Pupils were first given a skin test, and those showing a positive result underwent x-rays.

Head teacher David Snashall said the tests had been conducted "calmly and effectively".

"The health and well being of our school community is and has always been our primary concern," he said.

"I am reassured that there is now no greater risk to students and employees here than at any other school or in any other part of the community."

A letter has been sent out to all parents

Gwent Health Authority said it was not possible to say how or why the outbreak had occurred.

Dr Eddie Coyle, Director of Public Health, Gwent Health Authority, said: "While there are still a very few outstanding follow-up appointments for pupils and adults, earlier test results indicate that it is highly unlikely that they have TB.

"Although the screening process is not strictly complete, we thought it important to give parents the most up-to-date information available before the school closed for the summer holidays."

Earlier this year, TB screening was carried out at Ninian Park Primary School in Cardiff, after one pupil was found to have the disease.

The screening by Bro Taf health officials discovered that a second child at the school was also infectious.

Headteacher David Snashall: 'Calm and efficient exercise'

Bro Taf also confirmed two further cases at a school in Porth, Rhondda.

Larger clusters have been detected elsewhere in the UK at Leicester, and new outbreaks have been notified in Manchester and London.

From this September, Bro Taf Health Authority will resume a programme of BCG vaccination to protect against TB in secondary schools.

There has been a UK-wide shortage of the vaccine, meaning that the routine TB immunisation programme for the illness was shelved during 1997.

Tests are also being carried out in a school in Wandsworth, south London, after a teacher collapsed with the infection.