Two cases of tuberculosis detected in students in Ere-et-Loire

In accordance with the requirements of the protocol for certain contagious diseases, the hospital center of Dreux (Eure-et-Loire) notified the ARS (regional health agency) on March 12 of a case of tuberculosis detected in a patient, a student of the Branly high school in the city. “The student was coughing and spitting out tuberculosis bacteria and could therefore infect others,” explains Dr. Deslandes, national education doctor for the Eure-et-Loire department. Following an investigation to identify exposures, a number of actions were initiated to prevent any spread.

So, on Tuesday, April 2, selection and examinations will be held for 47 students and 32 employees of the institution. This approach, conducted by a TB center, involves intradermal injection tests to detect TB. A truck from CAT (Anti-Tuberculosis Center) was also mobilized to give chest X-rays to contact persons to identify possible infections. Verification operations will continue until early June to closely monitor developments. The institution promptly contacted the students’ parents to inform them of the situation.

Information meeting

A few days later, a second student tested positive at the Josephine Baker secondary school in Anches (Eure et Loire), about thirty kilometers from Dreux. “The CAT investigation did not establish any connection between the two students who were diagnosed with tuberculosis,” emphasizes the National Education doctor. At this high school, 77 students and 23 staff will be required to take mandatory exams on April 16 and 18. An informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd evening at Josephine Baker High School.

Regarding the health status of the affected students, Dr. Deslandes points out that after the initial hospitalization, antibiotic treatment continues at home. Regular monitoring is carried out to ensure that patients are no longer infectious.