Teign School TB test finds 200 people with infection

TB is a serious but curable infectious disease which normally affects the lungs

Almost 200 people have tested positive to having the tuberculosis (TB) infection after a school screening, Public Health England (PHE) has said.

The screening took place during the summer term at Teign School in Kingsteignton, Devon.

PHE said many were currently taking treatment for the latent or dormant TB infection but do not have the disease and are not infectious.

It said the number of students testing positive was "unusual".

PHE said the people who had the TB infection had the bacteria present in their body but "people can carry the bacteria but it does not necessarily develop into infectious TB".

'Situation under control'

Dr Sarah Harrison, deputy director of health protection for PHE South West, said: "We are pleased to say that the investigation is nearing completion and only a small number of people are still to be tested and continue to be followed up.

"The situation is under control and the risk of further infection within the school is now no greater than that in the general public.

"Of those screened as school contacts, fewer than 10 people are being treated for active TB. These were all diagnosed in the early stages of disease and there have been no further infectious cases at the school."

Mark Woodlock, head teacher of Teign School, said: "As a school, we are greatly relieved that this process is drawing to a close and that there is unlikely to be a need for further testing of students.

"It has been a very difficult time for many individuals - students, teachers and their families. They have had to cope with the demands of a positive test, whilst continuing to try live as normal a life as possible."

In March, a pupil and two former pupils from the school were diagnosed with TB, which led to the screening being launched.

TB is a serious but curable infectious disease which normally affects the lungs.