News
The latest news and information from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service.
17th of March 2009
17.3.2009 - Students to be offered Tuberculosis screening at Western Heights High School
A senior student at Western Heights High School, Rotorua, has recently been diagnosed as having Respiratory Tuberculosis (TB).
The student is being treated for the illness and the School is working closely with public health services to ensure all close contacts are being offered health advice.
TB is a respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and can be treated successfully over a period of time with antibiotics.
Although TB is not easily passed on from person to person, as a precaution, advice and screening will be offered to students (and staff) in the same class group. These people, and any other identified close friends and associates who may need screening, have been or will be contacted directly.
The public health service TB team will be visiting the school in the near future to hold screening sessions.
Neil de Wet, Public Health Physician, Lakes and Bay of Plenty District Health Boards, said “All families have been sent a letter explaining the situation and information leaflets about TB are available at the school. If they have any further concerns they should contact the school health nurse on 07 3495940 ext 748”.
