Tuberculosis Resurgence in Île-de-France: Screening at Provins High School

With 1,769 cases declared in 2023 in Île-de-France compared to 1,459 in 2022, Public Health France has alerted the public to a resurgence of tuberculosis cases in the region. The town of Provins (Seine-et-Marne) is also experiencing increased vigilance. Following a reported case of tuberculosis disease at the Thibaut-de-Champagne high school in late November 2025, the Île-de-France Regional Health Agency (ARS IDF) announced the organization of tuberculosis screening for students and staff returning from winter vacation.

Screening at Thibaut-de-Champagne High School

A first screening action among close contacts was conducted on December 18, 2025, after the ARS Île-de-France was informed of the case on November 27, 2025. The ARS IDF has stated that no new cases of tuberculosis disease have been detected at the high school as of February 20, 2026, but is proceeding with broader screening as a precautionary measure to protect the health of students and staff.

Understanding Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly known as Koch’s bacillus. The disease is spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, typically during close, prolonged contact. Only individuals with the respiratory form of the disease are contagious.

The ARS IDF identifies two forms of tuberculosis infection:

• Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI): The bacteria is present in the body in an inactive state. Individuals with LTBI are not sick or contagious.
• Tuberculosis Disease: The person is sick and potentially contagious.

Classic symptoms of tuberculosis disease include a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, fever, and severe fatigue. Young children and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Treatment and Prevention

Tuberculosis, in both its forms, is treatable. While the BCG vaccine offers some protection against tuberculosis disease, its effectiveness is not 100% Santé publique France.

Next Steps and Information Meetings

The screening process will involve a medical interview, a chest x-ray, and a blood sample, all covered by the CLAT (Anti-tuberculosis Center). Parental authorization is required for medical examinations of minors. Individuals with abnormal results will be contacted by the CLAT to arrange treatment.

Information meetings for parents, teachers, and professionals are scheduled for March 9, 2026, and March 10, 2026, with representatives from CLAT, the Departmental Services Department of National Education of Seine-et-Marne (DSDEN 77), and the ARS, in collaboration with the town hall of Provins and the prefecture of Seine-et-Marne.

More information on tuberculosis is available on the website of the Ministry of Health: Tuberculosis – Ministry of Health, Family, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities.