Suspected tuberculosis at Kamenz school not confirmed

Warning in connection with the tuberculosis case at the "Konrad Zuse" vocational school center in Kamenz: The tuberculosis finding initially reported as another positive case at the end of January has not been confirmed. According to the health department of the district of Bautzen, it was a false-positive test result after more detailed clarification.

Environmental tests were initiated at the school at the beginning of January following a confirmed case of tuberculosis. According to the information provided, a total of 144 contact persons were recorded, 127 of whom have since been examined. No new infectious cases of tuberculosis have been identified.

The outstanding tests have been scheduled and any abnormal or borderline findings will continue to be closely monitored and followed up if necessary, it said. According to the current assessment of the public health department, there is no increased risk to the general population.

Another case in neighboring Brandenburg

A case of tuberculosis was also recently reported in the neighboring Lausitz region of Brandenburg. A four-year-old child fell ill in a daycare center in Senftenberg (district of Oberspreewald-Lausitz) in Brandenburg, where numerous contact persons are also being examined. Experts emphasize that prolonged close contact is usually required for infection and that tuberculosis that is detected early can usually be treated well.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and mainly affects the lungs. It is transmitted when infected people excrete pathogens when coughing and sneezing. According to the World Health Organization, around half of those infected die without treatment. With four to six months of treatment, around 85 percent of people can be cured.