Tuberculosis outbreak reported in Tashkent schools

Tuberculosis may have spread among students at schools No. 59, 82, and 115 in the Shaykhantohur district of Tashkent. Reports from concerned parents of students were received by QALAMPIR.UZ.

The Ministry of Preschool and School Education is reportedly aware of the situation and has carried out disinfection efforts at the affected schools. However, the ministry has not released any official information regarding the outbreak.

“I have three children studying at school No. 59 in the Shaykhantohur district. However, our school has been closed for temporary repairs since September. Senior students were transferred to school No. 82, and primary students to school No. 115. After the New Year, students at school No. 82 were suddenly instructed to wear masks. My daughter told me they were warned about fines if they didn’t comply. Later, we discovered that tuberculosis had been detected at the school,” said one parent.

Parents were subsequently instructed to take their children to a public dispensary for free examinations. “If we mention we’re from school No. 59, they expedite the process. The school administration did not inform us officially. When I took my three children for examinations, doctors confirmed that tuberculosis cases had been detected in the school,” the parent added. 

The parent further claimed that while various organizations were notified, the school administration appeared indifferent. “The head doctor mentioned they requested the school’s management to take appropriate measures, but their response has been irresponsible and insufficient.”

Another parent shared insights after speaking with the chief doctor of the Shaykhantohur district’s Sanitary and Epidemiological Service (SES). “Two cases were initially identified: one teacher and one other individual. Both were isolated and placed under observation. All teachers were required to undergo medical examinations, but students were not subjected to a comprehensive check. School closure is not mandated unless mass cases are detected. The SES recommended improving children’s immunity and continuing preventive measures against the disease.”

However, the number of reported infections among school staff and students has since risen. According to recent updates, two teachers and four students have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Alarmingly, the teachers continued teaching at both schools No. 82 and No. 115 before their diagnoses were confirmed. Parents voiced their objections after discussing the issue in group correspondence.

One parent reported escalating her concerns to Dilfuza Hikmatova, the head of the Tashkent City Department of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee, via a formal complaint on Telegram. “After my complaint on Monday, disinfection efforts began on Tuesday. My children have been home since Saturday. I requested a thorough quarantine and cleaning before allowing students to return, but the ministry insisted there was no basis for such measures, stating that six cases were not significant enough. They held a brief meeting and conducted a one-day disinfection, but I remain deeply concerned,” the parent said.

Correspondence provided to QALAMPIR.UZ reveals that Dilfuza Hikmatova, head of the Tashkent City Department of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee, communicated with parents and arranged for disinfection at the schools.

Despite this, parents also contacted the Republican Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance, which pledged to take control but has reportedly not taken tangible action.

“The epidemiology center staff told me they couldn’t close the school due to unpaid teacher salaries. They claimed no one wanted to take responsibility. The teachers’ salaries were cited as a reason, which is entirely unreasonable. Many parents remain unaware of the situation, as the schools have not been fully inspected. The schools should be closed immediately,” one parent reported.

Another parent, who works as a nurse, confirmed that the issue is being discussed across hospitals in Tashkent. Parents from schools No. 59, 82, and 115 are calling for thorough inspections and urgent measures to address the outbreak. QALAMPIR.UZ is awaiting responses from the relevant government agencies.

For context, tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over a million lives annually. The airborne bacteria infect the body through the respiratory tract, spreading to the bronchial mucosa, alveoli, and other organs. Tuberculosis primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those under prolonged stress. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever, chest pain, bloody sputum, and fatigue. In children, symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, and behavioral changes. While tuberculosis can remain dormant for months or years, modern medicine offers effective treatment. Preventive measures such as maintaining hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals are crucial for controlling its spread.