The Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional health agency announces that a third year student at the Isaac de l’Étoile de Poitiers college. His state of health is not worrying.
Only a week after the start of the school year, a third year student at Isaac de l’Étoile college had to be absent. She is reportedly affected by tuberculosis, according to information from France-Bleu Poitou. The Vienne anti-tuberculosis center (CLAT86) informed the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency (ARS). She was placed on treatment, and “her state of health is not worrying”, according to the ARS.
“The ARS and the CLAT have decided to set up a screening procedure for people who have been in close and prolonged contact with the schoolgirl during the last 3 months, including the students in her class,” adds the agency.
Tuberculosis settles in Vienna
She also specifies that a priori, this new case of tuberculosis in Vienne would not be linked to the epidemic raging in schools in the department – particularly in Châtelleraudais – since the month of may, and the death of a 5-year-old child at the Poitier CHU. He had succumbed to tuberculous meningoencephalitis.
Screenings set up by the ARS subsequently revealed that other children from other schools were also infected. A substitute teacher, who allegedly contracted the disease during a trip to Brazil, is believed to be the cause of the spread of the disease.
In early September, the ARS extended the screening, including student teachers who came into contact with the teacher, as well as all the establishments in which she has been able to practice since 2015.
5,000 cases per year
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease that spreads through the air, sometimes a simple cough or sneeze. It manifests itself by respiratory symptoms, as well as fever, sweating, weight loss. She is treated with antibiotics.
Vaccination against tuberculosis (BCG) has not been compulsory in France for ten years. It is only recommended for people at risk, especially those in contact with populations from countries where tuberculosis cases are numerous. It is offered to all children who may have come into contact with the three children or the teacher.
In France, nearly 5,000 cases of tuberculosis are declared each year, causing nearly 400 deaths. A figure that has fallen almost constantly since 2000.
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