THREE new TB cases have been confirmed in Ross-shire following last week's revelation that a primary school pupil had been infected.
Screening for the bacterial disease was offered this week to concerned parents at South Lodge Primary in Invergordon after it emerged last week that a P1 pupil was affected.
However it has been established that none of the three new cases identified this week have been found at the school. It was previously stated by health chiefs that the affected child did not catch the infection at school and remains well.
All the parents of this year group have taken up the option and 13 children are being screened. Two members of staff at the school also took up the offer for screening.
TB - symptoms of which include a prolonged cough, often accompanied by sweats and weight loss - is difficult to catch and requires prolonged, close contact with an infectious person, NHS Highland has said. It usually responds well to antibiotic treatment.
An NHS Highland spokeswoman said, "There are three other confirmed cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Ross-shire all of whom are receiving antibiotic treatment, but we are unable to give further details due to patient confidentiality."
She added, "It takes a minimum of 48 hours before the results of the Mantoux test are known. Depending on the results of this test, further tests may be required."
While the screening is ongoing, NHS Highland has confirmed that there are no other cases in the school at the moment.
NHS Highland Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Ken Oates, said, "We currently have four cases of TB receiving treatment in Ross-shire and in any given year we would expect to see between 10 and 17 cases across Highland
"In the unlikely event that another child is found to have TB infection, then effective antibiotic treatment is available."
Need to know more?Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection. It is spread through inhaling tiny droplets of saliva from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
TB mainly affects the lungs. However, the infection can spread to many parts of the body, including the bones and nervous system. Find out more at http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tuberculosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
