Ten treated in TB outbreak

Ten people are now being treated for tuberculosis following an outbreak at a Sandwell school, it was revealed today.

A teacher and two pupils from Langley Primary School in Oldbury were diagnosed with the disease shortly after they broke up for the summer holidays.

Following the outbreak the whole school was offered tests and health chiefs today revealed that a further seven people, five pupils and two teachers, have tested positive. Parents who were unable to send their children to the screening are now being urged to contact Sandwell Primary Care Trust to get tested.

Of the seven, one child confirmed as having TB, who started to receive treatment, is expected to make a full recovery. Four children and two teachers have also been put on a course of antibiotics to stop them developing TB.

The school is expected to re-open as planned after the summer break tomorrow. Dr John Middleton, director of public health for Sandwell Primary Care Trust, said: "It is important to remember that TB is difficult to catch, preventable and can be treated easily."

Letters are being sent to all parents of children at the school informing them of the results.

Dr David Kirrage, consultant for the Health Protection Agency, added: "Screening was completed in the majority of the children and staff but we will be in touch with those that were unable to attend with a future screening opportunity in the coming week."