Dear Parents & Guardians:

TIS has learned that a grade 1 teaching assistant has been diagnosed with tuberculosis. The staff member first fell ill on April 18 and has been on sick leave from TIS since that time. While on sick leave, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and then most recently with tuberculosis. Other members of her family are healthy and are currently undergoing screening.

As a standard, precautionary measure, all grade 1 students and grade 1 staff will be screened for tuberculosis by the Macau Health Department on Tuesday, May 17 at 9:30 am. Optional screening is also available on this date for students who are not in grade 1. Permission forms are available in the main office and must be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher or to the main office by Friday, May 13.

Screening involves a simple procedure known as a skin test, in which a harmless fluid is placed under the skin on the inside of the arm. A very small needle is used so only a light pinch is felt. After three days, the test spot is examined for any bumps that appear. Parents will only be notified if further testing is required (typically an X-ray and/or blood test). In addition to screening, all grade 1 classrooms and equipment are being thoroughly sterilized and disinfected.

While many countries have eradicated tuberculosis, it is still common in some parts of Asia. As such, you may have questions about tuberculosis. A public presentation (in English with Chinese subtitles) will be held on Friday, May 13 at 3 pm in the Secondary Library for anyone who would like more information about the disease.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs and is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB bacteria into the air. Symptoms include coughing that lasts three or more weeks, chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats and chills.

Please note that tuberculosis is not easy to catch. It is NOT spread by casual contact, for example, passing someone in the hallway, standing next to someone, using the same bathroom, or contact with surfaces. Almost all cases of TB are curable with proper treatment and medication.

TIS will be monitoring the situation very closely and providing updates to the school community as needed. In the meantime, if you any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the main office at 2853 3700.

Sincerely,

Howard Stribbell, Head of School