Toi Te Ora Public Health Service has confirmed a case of tuberculosis in the Bay of Plenty.

A Western Heights High School student in Rotorua was diagnosed with the disease and is one of two cases of TB discovered in Rotorua this year.

Tuberculosis is a rare chest disease which normally attacks the lungs.

Tuberculosis is a rare chest disease that typically attacks the lungs. It generally spreads through the air through sneezing and coughing, but infection usually requires prolonged close contact.
TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Toi Te Ora Public Health says it can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

'The student is being treated for the illness and the school is working closely with the public health service to ensure any close contacts are being offered health advice,” says a public health service spokesperson.

'Although TB is not easily passed on from person to person, as a precaution, screening is being offered to a small group of about 20 classmates.

'These people, and any other identified friends or associates who are close contacts who may need screening, have been or will be contacted by the public health team directly.”

All school students have had a letter sent home explaining the situation and information leaflets about TB are available at the school.

For further helpful information about TB, people can contact the Public Health Nursing Service on (07) 343 7747.