Tuberculosis Screenings at 2 Pre-Schools After Employee Tests Positive

Tuberculosis (TB) screenings will be conducted at two pre-schools after an individual working at both locations was found to have been diagnosed with the bacterial disease, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has said.

- Aqil Hamzah

In response to queries, CDA said on Aug 13 it was notified on July 15 of the positive diagnosis of a staff member who worked at MapleBear Toa Payoh and MindChamps PreSchool's East Coast branch.

It then began contact tracing to "ensure early detection and treatment, and to curtail the spread of TB", the agency said, adding that it conducted a site visit to determine which individuals were required to undergo screenings.

For this particular case, CDA said only those found to have "close and prolonged" contact with the staff member would have to be screened.

They include both children and staff members.

An onsite screening at MindChamps PreSchool was carried out on Aug 13, while a separate one for MapleBear Toa Payoh has been scheduled for Aug 15.

CDA said there is a gap between exposure to the staff member and the screenings because it can take several weeks for the body to develop a detectable immune response.