Students and teachers from all schools attended by the teacher at the origin of the epidemic which is spreading in Châtelleraudais will be tested.
The concern around tuberculosis did not fall back in Vienna. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) had indicated at the beginning of the summer that screening could resume at the start of the school year, according to the results of the first two campaigns carried out in 7 schools in the Châtellerault region in May and July, attended by a teacher, patient with zero contagion.
The first screenings were launched following the death of a 5-year-old child, Tom, at the Poitiers University Hospital at the end of April. He had succumbed to tuberculous meningoencephalitis.
The ARS confirmed on Tuesday the extension of surveillance. Trainees from the IUFM (1) who have come into contact with the teacher will be tested. All the establishments in which she has worked since September 2015 will now be included.
Six people affected
A second phase is thus organized in the schools of Châtellerault (Herriot, Léo Lagrange, Matisse, Lakanal, Targé), of Leigné-les-Bois and of Naintré. “Campaigns will also be deployed in 8 new schools and 11 new classes in Châtelleraudais, in which the teacher, followed for tuberculosis, made replacements from September 2016.”
The results of the first screening campaign prompted the health agency to strengthen the system, in agreement with the Ministry of Health. They revealed symptoms of tuberculosis in four children, and two cases of latent tuberculosis infection in a teacher in August, and in a child in early September. They are neither sick nor contagious, but could become so.
ARS singled out
The parents of the students have come up against the ARS, which they accuse of having let the situation drag on. “After Tom’s death, we started out on the assumption of a low risk of contagion,” defended the health agency. This is why we had limited screening. “
“After having underestimated the circle of students and parents who were to be screened, the ARS publicly acknowledged that the parents’ request for systematic screening, as early as May, was well founded. plagued an association of parents of students. She even now indicates that it is necessary. “
“All the necessary means have been put in place and remain available to carry out all the screening phases”, underlines for its part the ARS. A total of 800 people are expected to be tested.
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.
Tuberculosis cases in France 2000-2015 (Source: InVS)
(1) University Institute for Teacher Training
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