Preventive measures initiated following tuberculosis diagnoses in Tashkent schools

Earlier reports from QALAMPIR.UZ highlighted the potential spread of tuberculosis among students at schools No. 59, 82, and 115 in the Shaykhontohur district of Tashkent. The Ministry of Health has since addressed the situation, assuring that the epidemiological situation at the schools is under full control.

It was discovered that M.S., an 11th-grade student at secondary school No. 59, sought medical attention at the Tashkent City Phthisiatric Dispensary No. 3 on December 26, 2024.

According to M.S.'s sister, M.D., M.S. had been experiencing frequent illnesses in recent months and had only received treatment at a private clinic. After a recent examination by an ENT doctor, M.S. was referred to the phthisiatric dispensary for further evaluation.

Following an X-ray at the dispensary, M.S. was diagnosed with “Inflamed tuberculosis of the upper lobe of the right lung, decompensated stage, BK+,” and was immediately admitted to the Tashkent Children's Tuberculosis Hospital.

Six individuals—two of whom were children under the age of 6—who had close contact with M.S. at home underwent X-ray examinations at the dispensary on December 27, 2024. Fortunately, no active tuberculosis was detected in them.

Students and teachers from secondary school No. 59, as well as individuals from a private school where M.S. attended additional classes, were tested at the dispensary under the supervision of the Tashkent City Department of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health. X-ray and Diaskin tests were performed on those who had been in contact with the patient and were considered at risk.

During the tests, one student (A.A., born in 2008, a close friend of M.S.) was diagnosed with “Foci of tuberculosis of the upper lobe of the right lung” and was promptly hospitalized. Three other students—A.A., R.M., and E.D.—as well as one teacher (B.U.), were diagnosed with a predisposition to tuberculosis, and preventive treatment procedures were initiated.

In response to identified deficiencies, the Tashkent City Department of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health issued an administrative report against the director of secondary school No. 59.

Due to ongoing capital reconstruction work at secondary school No. 59, primary school students are currently studying at secondary school No. 115, while high school students have relocated to secondary school No. 82 in the district.

On January 21, 2025, disinfection and steaming procedures were carried out at secondary school No. 82, followed by general cleaning and ventilation on January 22. Similarly, on January 23, appropriate disinfection and steaming measures were implemented at secondary school No. 115.