Published on
updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Medical validation:
November 22, 2024
Almost everywhere in France, cases of tuberculosis are emerging. Recently, it was in Gironde and Normandy that pupils and students were struck by the disease. How can we explain this multiplication of cases? How to react in case of exposure? Update with Dr. Kierzek.
In Libourne and Rouen, several alerts were issued: two cases of tuberculosis were detected in a nursery school in Libourne and one case was identified at the law school in Rouen. A growing number of infections which worries the authorities.
A student and two children affected by tuberculosis
Let us first remember that tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a mycobacteria which is transmitted through the air to both children and adults. It most often affects the lungs but sometimes also affects other organs and can lead to death if not treated.
According to the Normandy Regional Health Agency (ARS), the individual affected by the disease at the Pasteur campus of the University of Rouen (Seine-Maritime) is a student.
“A case of contagious tuberculosis has been reported in a person who attended the faculty of Rouen, Pasteur site“, reveals the ARS, confirming the information revealed by France 3 Normandy.
But the young patient is not the only one to be closely monitored by the authorities. Around sixty students on campus and around ten teachers were identified as contact cases, according to information collected by the Seine-Maritime Anti-Tuberculosis Center (CLAT).
To protect students on campus, a “mandatory meeting” was organized last Monday and massive screening will be organized.
“This screening is based on carrying out a chest x-ray to be carried out now to look for tuberculosis disease, and on a blood test to be carried out at the beginning of January 2025 to identify possible latent forms.“, specifies the ARS.
In Gironde, many students from the Jean-Jaurès school (Libourne) are also affected by screening following a revelation from the Regional Health Agency.
Indeed, the agency reveals that two young children from the same siblings contracted tuberculosis.
If they have been treated and today no longer present a danger for students, parents and teachers, the Tuberculosis Control Center (Clat) has already wished to identify the “case contacts“and potential”secondary cases“, For “quickly offer them a appropriate treatment and thus prevent the spread of the disease“.
It was also agreed between Clat and the ARS “to expand screening to the entire establishment. Screening will include students, teachers and professionals identified as contact cases in the school“, specify the ARS and the Department in a joint press release.
What to do if exposed to tuberculosis?
We must react quickly, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo. Indeed, if the disease is not treated, it can lead to death.
“A screening test will usually be done to determine if you have been infected. This may include a tuberculin skin test or blood test (IGRA test). Even if the initial test is negative, a period of monitoring may be recommended, with regular checks over several months. If latent tuberculosis infection is detected, preventive antibiotic treatment may be prescribed. This treatment aims to prevent the development of active tuberculosis. he confides.
The medical director of Doctissimo also recalls that although vaccination against tuberculosis (“BCG”) is not compulsory in France, it remains recommended.
“Vaccination with BCG (Bacille Calmette and Guérin) is the only way to protect against tuberculosis. It limits the risk of developing infection and prevents serious forms of tuberculosis in young children (mainly tuberculous meningitis). Its efficiency varies from 75 to 85%“, confirms the Health Insurance website.