Footscray City College students tested for tuberculosis after one student diagnosed

STUDENTS at a high school in Melbourne’s inner west have been tested for tuberculosis after one pupil there was diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease.

Students at Footscray City College have been tested for tuberculosis.

STUDENTS at a high school in Melbourne’s inner west were tested for a potentially deadly disease yesterday.

Footscray City College students were tested for tuberculosis after one was diagnosed with the illness six weeks ago, the Victorian Department of Health confirmed.

Department spokesman Bram Alexander said the screening was a precautionary measure.

“It’s unlikely other cases will be detected but we do these tests for reassurance,” Mr Alexander said.

He said the results were expected next week.

The spokesman said the student who was originally diagnosed was treated right away and isolated in hospital until no longer infectious.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include a chronic cough, fever, a general feeling of unwell that persists and lingers despite rest.

Anyone with symptoms should immediately see a doctor.

The school has been approached for comment.