Eight cases of TB at three different schools in Tumahole, Parys, were reported to the Free State Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, Head of Communications confirmed on Thursday.  All confirmed cases at Yakhisizwe Secondary, Botjhabatsatsi and Lister Skhosana Primary were initiated on treatment and eligible contacts on TB Prophylactic Treatment (TPT), Mvambi added.

Mvambi said the Fezile Dabi district has seen an increase in the number of TB cases not only in  Ngwathe but also in the Moqhaka districts in the past two weeks. The majority of confirmed cases are in Moqhaka namely at the Kopanang Gold Mine (13 cases) and Reaitumela Primary School (39) in Kroonstad. These numbers are subject to change due to laboratory results, Mvambi added.

The Department has embarked on surveillance and case management processes with ongoing campaigns to screen, test and initiate treatment being conducted by the integrated health teams to curb the spread of TB in the schools and mine. Ongoing activities are being conducted including daily monitoring and updates given by the District Outbreak Team (DORT).

Mvambi emphasised the importance that the community should not be caused to panic but awareness and education be imparted on what TB is, and what can be done to curb its spread. Also to know what to do when infected.

TB is curable if the person who is infected take their treatment from start to finish.

The following are signs and symptoms for which the department strongly recommend that you go to your nearest clinic and get tested.

If you have:

*persistent cough that does not respond to any medication

*Unexplained tiredness.

•Chest pains.

•Loss of appetite.

•Unintended loss of weight

•Drenching night sweats, even in cold weather.

Further Updates will be provided as and when the District Outbreak Response Team finalises their work, Mvambi concluded.