The discovery of a case of tuberculosis in a college in Isère led to the screening of 150 students. Update on this infectious disease and its symptoms.
- A case of tuberculosis was discovered in a college in Isère. 150 of the 600 students must be screened.
- The patient, whose identity has not been disclosed, was isolated and treated. He is doing well according to the college.
- An increase in tuberculosis cases was recorded for the first time in almost 20 years in 2020.
A case of tuberculosis has been identified at Joseph College Chassigneux of Vinay in Isère, about two months ago, according to information from France Blue Isere. Screening is planned in the establishment to fight against this disease, the number of cases of which is on the rise.
Tuberculosis: a case detected in a college in Isère
According to information given by the college, the person with tuberculosis – whose identity has not been disclosed – was isolated and taken care of by doctors. During a meeting held on June 5, the parents of pupils were informed qA quarter of college students, ie 150 out of 600, will have to be screened to verify that they have not been contaminated by the patient. The examinations consist of a blood test and an X-ray of the lungs. They will be carried out by the Grenoble Anti-Tuberculosis Center.
Tuberculosis is rare in France, but the discovery of this patient comes as global health authorities worry about a rise in cases worldwide. The WHO revealed in October 2022 that the number of cases had increased for the first time in more than 20 years. The incidence rate increased by 3.6% between 2020 and 2021. The number of deaths linked to tuberculosis has increased by 14% compared to 2019.
What are the signs of tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Koch’s bacillus. It most often affects the lungs and is transmitted through the air via droplets of saliva. The bacterium is able to remain in the body in a “dormant” state for years, which can lead to reactivation of the disease at any time. Thus, only 5 to 15% of infected people will develop tuberculosis with symptoms during their lifetime. An untreated infected individual can contaminate between 10 and 15 people per year.
The most common symptoms are:
- a prolonged cough sometimes with trickles of blood;
- chest pain;
- shortness of breath;
- asthenia, intense fatigue;
- weight loss, loss of appetite;
- a fever ;
- night sweats.
“Patients will have varying symptoms depending on the part of the body where TB becomes active. Although TB usually affects the lungs, it also affects the kidneys, brain, spine and skin”adds the WHO on its website.
The most common signs of TB can be confused with those of other respiratory diseases, making the diagnosis of TB difficult. If you have these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention quickly to be screened and treated if necessary.
