Abstract:

In January 23, 2020, one active pulmonary tuberculosis from school (indicated case) was reported by the tuberculosis designated hospital of Wuhe, Anhui. Due to COVID-19 epidemic control, on the day of school resumption (April 13th), according to the epidemiological screening process of tuberculosis, epidemiological survey and tuberculosis screening (purified protein derivative of tuberculin test (PPD test) and chest X-ray examination) were hierarchically conducted among 443 contacts (centered on the student: classmates, teachers, students on the same floor and extracurricular classmates) by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Wuhe County. It was found that the case was delayed for 34 days, and had no close contact history of tuberculosis. The strongly positive rate of PPD test for teachers and students was 2.7% (12/443), and the abnormal rate of chest X-ray was 2.1% (9/436). The strongly positive rate of PPD test (7.7% (5/65)) and the abnormal rate of chest X-ray of close contacts in the same class (12.3% (8/65)) were significantly higher than that of general contacts in other classes on the same floor and weekend extracurricular classes (1.9% (7/378) and 0.3% (1/371))(χ²=5.134, P=0.023; χ ²=33.917, P<0.001). Seven tuberculosis cases were found in two classes, the incidence rates were 10.3% (6/58) and 1.8% (1/56), respectively. It was considered that the epidemic was found late and the screen wasn’t conducted in time because of COVID-19, furthermore, the tuberculosis was disseminated and the risk of infection among the close contacts was significantly higher than that of the general contacts. The awareness of tuberculosis prevention and control in schools should be enhanced, and closer cooperation with the health department should be strengthened to ensure the implementation of the prevention and control measures.

Key words: Tuberculosis,pulmonary, Disease outbreaks, School