Tuberculosis exposure prompts testing of more than 100 children at popular Sydney childcare centre

More than 100 children and staff at a NSW childcare centre have undergone testing for a highly infectious bacterial disease.

Health authorities confirmed a person linked to Little Feet Early Learning and Childcare in Waverley, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was diagnosed with tuberculosis after spending several days a week at the centre over a six-month period.

The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) told 7NEWS.com.au that 104 children and 34 staff members are now being screened as a precaution.

Parents were alerted via email on September 5, with officials working to determine the extent of the exposure.

It remains unclear whether the infected person is a child, staff member or parent.

Parents have only been told the individual was in the centre between February and August this year.

A SESLHD spokesperson said there is no ongoing risk to children and staff at the centre.

Health officials say tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is not easily spread and transmission generally requires prolonged close contact with an infectious person.

A two-stage testing process is now underway with children undergoing a tuberculin skin test, which involves a small injection under the skin of the forearm.

The test will be repeated after 8 weeks to 12 weeks to check for recent infection.

Children younger than age five are also being offered preventative antibiotics as an extra safeguard.

SESLHD said if anyone returns a positive result, they will be referred for a chest X-ray and reviewed by a specialist.

TB most commonly affects the lungs but it can appear elsewhere in the body.

People with TB may have symptoms such as a cough that lasts for more than three weeks and is not improving, coughing up blood-stained fluid, fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, always feeling tired, loss of appetite, and swelling in the affected area.

Medical follow-up and treatment for TB are provided free of charge in NSW.