Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through the air when the sick person talks, coughs or sneezes.
The Île-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS) was informed that a person suffering from tuberculosis had attended a high school in Seine-de-Marne. An initial screening of the closest circle of contacts was carried out. In view of the medical and epidemiological elements collected, the health authorities have decided to extend the system to the entire school community. This expanded screening was announced by the ARS in a press release sent on February 19, 2026.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Koch’s bacillus. Respiratory forms are contagious. Transmission occurs through the air when a sick person speaks, coughs or sneezes, most often during close and prolonged contact, hence screening extended to students and professionals of the establishment who may have been in contact with the person who attended the high school. We distinguish between latent tuberculosis infection, where the bacteria is present without causing symptoms or contagiousness, and tuberculosis disease, which can manifest as persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, fever and significant fatigue.
According to information shared by ARS Ile-de-France, the sick person attended the Thibaut de Champagne high school in Provins. It is therefore this establishment which is currently being closely monitored by the health authorities. “As soon as the case of tuberculosis is identified, the CLAT (Anti-tuberculosis Center) of the South Île-de-France Hospital Group has taken appropriate measures to protect the students and staff of the high school. specifies the authority. Before informing that “At present, no new cases of tuberculosis disease have been detected within the high school”.
The screening will be organized after the winter school holidays. All students and staff at the Thibaut de Champagne high school in Provins will be invited to be tested. This screening includes a medical interview, a chest x-ray and a blood sample. All of these exams will be covered by the CLAT. In accordance with current regulations, parental authorization will be necessary to carry out any medical examination for minors. Any person presenting abnormal results will be contacted by CLAT to organize treatment. In order to answer questions from parents, teachers and other professionals, a first information meeting is organized on March 9 and a second on March 10 in the presence of the CLAT, DSDEN and ARS teams in conjunction with the town hall of Provins and the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne.
Young children and immunocompromised people are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis. Although it can be a cause for concern, tuberculosis can be treated effectively with appropriate antibiotic treatment. According to data published by Public Health France, 1,769 cases of tuberculosis were declared in Île-de-France in 2023, an increase of 21% compared to 2022. The region alone concentrates 36.4% of the 4,866 cases recorded in France the same year. The authorities remind that in the event of persistent symptoms, it is recommended to consult a health professional.
