Teenage boy tests positive for TB

The teenager with TB is said to be responding well to treatment

A 17-year-old boy from a high school in Clydebank has tested positive for tuberculosis (TB).

Although the teenager is not thought to be infectious, other pupils at St Andrew's High are being screened as a precaution.

A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the infected youth was responding well to treatment.

The health board's public protection unit said there was no need for concern as it was an isolated case.

Dr Syed Ahmed, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "In keeping with national guidance we are screening all close contacts, including pupils in the patient's class.

"Letters have been issued to pupils giving details of the screening dates and offering advice and information."

He added that anyone wanting more information could contact the public health protection unit on 0141 201 4917.

There are about 200 cases of TB in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area diagnosed every year and about 400 cases across Scotland.

Close contacts are defined as those people who spend three to four hours a day with someone with TB most days of the week.