Special TB team to check on children

SPECIAL arrangements are being made for children who are expected to need X-rays and paediatric referrals following an outbreak of tuberculosis which will delay the re-opening of a Cork city primary school until September 6.

A special outbreak control team is heading up the investigation into the scare and the Health Service Executive (HSE) has set up an information telephone line to assist parents and allay fears following the discovery of the illness at Ballintemple National School, Cork.

The HSE said it had made arrangements with Cork University Hospital regarding anticipated radiology and paediatric referrals which will be required by children over the coming weeks.

The three children attending the primary school who were diagnosed with TB late in July and earlier this month, have started anti-tuberculous treatment and are under specialist paediatric care.

A further 220 staff and pupils are being screened at St Finbarr’s Hospital.

If a child is found to have active TB, family and close contacts will be offered screening, a HSE spokesperson has confirmed, saying priority had been given to the investigation.

Public health screening clinics have been rescheduled and extra clinics put in place, with extra staffing allocated.

School management is liaising closely with the investigating team, and staff and parents are being kept updated.

However, almost two weeks after the cases were deemed an outbreak, as yet no source has been found.

Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, consultant in Public Health Medicine for the Southern Region, said the first case of TB had been notified on July 29, but that it then appeared to be a sporadic case.

When, however, a second case was notified, on August 10, from the same school, it was thought there was a possible link, the situation was deemed an “outbreak” and an investigation was initiated.

Dr O’Sullivan said regular clinics at St Finbarr’s hospital had to be rescheduled, but that anyone who felt as though they were experiencing TB symptoms should contact their GP.

She said the treatment for anyone who is found to be infected is a course of antibiotics which must be taken in full as prescribed for a minimum of six months.

According to the HSE, the investigation – with a cluster of cases – isprogressing in line with national TB contact tracing guidelines. For some a blood test may also be indicated. A TB vaccine will be considered once screening is complete.

Last year in Cork and Kerry there were 85 cases of TB. So far this year there have been 53.

* HSE Information Line number is: 1800 742800, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.