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Tuberculosis outbreak in a primary school, Milan, Italy
Marino Faccini1, Luigi Ruffo Codecasa, Giorgio Ciconali
1Prevention Department ASL Milano, Milan, Italy.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 30, 2013
Summary
A tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in a Milan primary school infected 15 children with active disease and 173 with latent infection. Diagnostic delays significantly contributed to the spread of this infectious disease.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern.
- Outbreaks in school settings can lead to widespread transmission.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for controlling TB spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of a TB outbreak in a Milan primary school.
- To identify factors contributing to the transmission of TB infection.
- To inform public health strategies for outbreak control.
Main Methods:
- Case finding and contact tracing within the primary school and surrounding community.
- Diagnostic evaluation for active TB disease and latent TB infection.
- Analysis of diagnostic timelines, focusing on the index case.
Main Results:
- 15 schoolchildren diagnosed with active TB disease.
- 173 schoolchildren identified with latent TB infection.
- TB cases also found in 2 homeless individuals near the school.
- Diagnostic delay, especially in the initial case, was a key factor in transmission.
Conclusions:
- The primary school outbreak highlights the risk of TB transmission in educational settings.
- Delayed diagnosis is a critical factor enabling TB spread.
- Prompt identification and treatment are essential to prevent further transmission and control outbreaks.
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