Pupils screened after teacher contracts TB
PUBLIC HEALTH England (PHE) has been notified of a case of tuberculosis at a Charedi school in Stamford Hill.
The JC understands that a teacher at the Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School in Clapton is receiving treatment for the disease.
A spokesperson for PHE stated that the person is no longer infectious.
“PHE and TB specialist nurses are working closely with the school and TB screening is being arranged for those who have had prolonged contact with the case. Letters have been sent to parents and staff to explain the situation, with further advice and information about TB.”
The school ran a specialist screening programme for pupils on Monday.
Dr Anita Bell, from PHE’s health protection team in the area, said: “TB is a disease that typically requires close, prolonged and frequent contact before transmission occurs.
“Because of this, the greatest risk of spread is to people who live in the same household as a person with this disease. The risk to other contacts, including those in a school setting, is low.
“However, we are working closely with the school, following national guidelines which include identifying those with greatest contact and arranging TB screening for them.”
Dr Bell said it was important for community members to be aware of the symptoms of TB, which include a prolonged unexplained cough, fevers and weight loss. Jason Manford (second left) with Leeds Jewish Welfare Board supporters
THE CHIEF executive of the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board has highlighted the problem of loneliness across all age groups.
“Without the intervention of LJWB, one in four people in our community runs the risk of becoming socially isolated,” Liz Bradbury told the charity’s dinner.
“Loneliness is on the increase. How we perceive the number and quality
of our social connections and our purposeful role in society has a significant impact on how we feel.”
The dinner was LJWB’s biggest since the 1970s, with around 330 guests at the Reuben Vincent Hall in Moortown.
Comedian Jason Manford provided the entertainment.
It raised £80,000, which will go to LJWB’s community support services team, assisting those with mental health and social isolation issues.
Letters have been sent to parents and staff with advice’