TB case suspected at city school

The suspected case has not been linked to the school

Health officials in Glasgow have said they are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis (TB) in a 15-year old pupil at Notre Dame High School.

A close member of the pupil's family has been diagnosed with TB.

The pupil, who is responding well to treatment at home, is not thought to be infectious and there is no plan to screen other pupils at the school.

The case is not linked to two cases of TB in a teacher and a pupil at Notre Dame Primary school earlier this year.

Dr Oliver Blatchford, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "This case is linked to an earlier diagnosis of TB within this pupil's family and is in no way related to the school.

"Indeed, this individual is showing none of the symptoms which can spread the TB bacteria, such as prolonged coughing, and therefore no risk has been presented to pupils at the school."

TB is an infection caused by a germ, which usually affects the lungs but can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or glands.

It is not a common disease but if it is not discovered and treated, then it can be serious.