Child Treated for Tuberculosis Attended Tasmanian Daycare

A child who has undergone treatment for tuberculosis (TB) attended a daycare center in Tasmania's north in mid-July, prompting notifications to parents. The Kings Meadow Goodstart Early Learning Centre confirmed the attendance and stated it has been working closely with Public Health Tasmania since being informed of the case last week.

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The centre remains open and continues to operate as normal with the rigorous hygiene and cleaning part of our usual routine.

The child, whose age and gender are undisclosed for privacy, was a regular attendee at the center, which caters to children aged six months to six years. Following the notification, close contacts, including other children and staff, have been offered precautionary testing. This testing is being managed by Tasmania's Department of Health and the Launceston General Hospital.

Despite the notification, the risk of transmission is believed to be low, and the incident is considered isolated. The childcare center remains operational, continuing its usual rigorous hygiene and cleaning routines. Tuberculosis, while potentially deadly if untreated, is a bacterial disease that can be managed with antibiotics. It is relatively rare in Australia, though it causes significant global mortality.

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We've closely followed the directions of Public Health Tasmania and our own infectious diseases policy since being contacted last week.

Goodstart has emphasized its adherence to public health directives and its own infectious disease policies. Families with concerns are advised to consult their general practitioner or the Public Health Hotline. The spokesperson also mentioned that the child had attended another childcare facility in the area.

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Families with concerns are being asked to directly contact their GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.