In Nîmes, several cases of tuberculosis were detected at the higher institute and the Alzon high school, two private Catholic establishments.
According to the Free Middaythe first case was diagnosed in June 2025 in a student returning from a stay in Africa. Massive screening was then organized as a preventive measure.
Three confirmed cases, screening organized again
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) specifies this time that “three other cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were subsequently identified in this establishment, including two contagious forms.
In a letter sent to families at the beginning of October, the Nîmes University Hospital recommended screening all potentially exposed students and teachers.
An old disease, but still present
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, recalls that tuberculosis has never disappeared from the territory. “Tuberculosis has always been there. People travel, the disease circulates nationally and internationally. This is not surprising: we have not yet succeeded in eradicating it from the world.”
This bacterial infection, caused by Koch’s bacillus, mainly affects the lungs but can affect other organs.
“In France, several thousand cases are still reported each year, often in contexts of precariousness or promiscuity. This is not a disease of the past. She takes advantage of fragile situations to resurface“, explains the doctor.
The most common symptoms include: persistent cough, weight loss, unusual fatigue and night sweats.
“As we enter the winter period, we must be attentive to a cough that lasts more than two to three weeks. It can be dry or oily, but should alert you if it is accompanied by loss of appetite or significant fatigue.“, specifies Dr. Kierzek.
What are the modes of transmission and treatment of the disease?
“Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted through the air“, recalls the specialist. “When a sick person coughs, sneezes or speaks, they project micro-droplets containing the bacilli. To be contaminated, you generally need prolonged and close contact with a contagious person. Contamination on public transport, for example, remains rare.”
The main danger lies in late diagnosis. “Too slow detection can lead to serious forms, with significant lung damage and increased contagiousness.
A disease that can be cured
The good news, according to him, is that tuberculosis is curable in the vast majority of cases. Treatment is based on several antibiotics taken for six months on average. “The key to success is regularity and duration of treatment, to avoid relapses and resistance of the bacillus.”he emphasizes.
Finally, regarding prevention, Dr Kierzek recalls the importance of the vaccine. “The famous BCG remains the best protection. It was compulsory in France until 2007, and it is now recommended for the most exposed children. Its effectiveness is not absolute, but it protects young people well against serious forms.”
In Nîmes, the health authorities apply the usual protocol: identification of cases, treatment of patients and targeted screening of contacts.
For Dr. Kierzek, the message is clear. “No panic, but increased vigilance. The best defense against tuberculosis remains information, screening and rigorous treatment monitoring.”
Because the disease can affect everyone. “Tuberculosis is not a pathology reserved for migrant populations or travelers. Even if the risk is higher in certain vulnerable groups, it can occur in any person, particularly in contexts of promiscuity or social fragility” he concludes.
FAQ – Tuberculosis: how to protect yourself and react?
1. How to avoid getting tuberculosis?
Transmission occurs through the air, through coughing or sneezing. Avoid prolonged contact with a contagious person. Ventilate closed rooms regularly. The BCG vaccine remains the best protection for exposed children. Above all, it reduces the risk of serious forms.2. What signs should alert?
A cough that persists for more than three weeks should require consultation. Other possible symptoms: fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever or night sweats. If you are returning from a country where tuberculosis is common, testing is recommended even without obvious symptoms.3. How is tuberculosis treated?
Treatment involves several antibiotics taken for about six months. It is effective if followed rigorously, without interruption. Regular medical monitoring is essential to avoid relapses and prevent resistance of the bacillus. Complete recovery is the rule in the majority of cases.