An outbreak of respiratory tuberculosis in a school

Abstract

Five cases of clinical primary respiratory tuberculosis were reported in pupils of the same school. The probable source of infection was traced to a schoolteacher. Immediate Mantoux and x-ray testing revealed three further cases. The return of the teacher concerned to school after a short period of absence necessitated a follow-up examination of the pupils, and four further cases were brought to light. The classes predominantly affected were those with which the teacher had come into closest contact. © 1951, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.