14-year-old infected with TBC

14-year-old infected with TB: Students are being tested for tuberculosis

31.08.2013

After the announcement of the TBC disease of a 14-year-old girl in Prenzlau (Uckermark), six other cases of infection were discovered. The authorities now want to examine blood samples of hundreds of classmates. On Monday, the blood samples should start.

Six more cases discovered
In Prenzlau (Uckermark) in the state of Brandenburg, it became known in June that a 14-year-old pupil was diagnosed with overt pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The case of the highly contagious disease had been reported to the authorities. As a result, tests were conducted on 200 teenagers' close contacts and six other but non-contagious infections were discovered at various stages. Affected are six students, all of whom are treated.

More blood tests planned
In addition to the students, family members, friends, sports mates and teachers were also examined. The district administration announced Friday that the district wanted to investigate more blood samples from 400 classmates. On Monday, the blood samples in the high school of the city start and findings to a week later. The district medical officer said that the 14-year-old is recovering from treatment at a special clinic. However, she must continue to take medication.

Number of new infections fluctuating
According to the Ministry of Health, the number of new TBC infections in the country is fluctuating, reaching the highest level in 2010 with 101 cases. This year, 65 infections were reported. In Berlin, there has been a 25 percent increase since 2009 to 310 cases in 2012.

Underestimated risk
Every year, around nine million people worldwide contract tuberculosis and 1.7 million people die each year as a result of the infection. Recently, however, was warned: Germans underestimate tuberculosis risk. For example, the president of the German Central Committee for Combating Tuberculosis, Tobias Welte, said: „There needs to be more attention in the health care system for tuberculosis. "TBC can be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or loud talking, prolonged coughing with sputum and unwanted weight loss can be signs of the infection. (Ad)

Picture: Paulwip