Fatima was described as a dedicated worker who loved children

Fatima Bibi, 18, died last week.

Although the risk of her passing on the disease to pupils is thought to be small, staff and children at St Chad's Roman Catholic Primary School in Cheetham, Manchester, are to be screened later this week as a precaution.

Classroom assistants who were training with Ms Bibi will also be screened for the disease.

"We would like to reassure parents at the school that everything possible is being done to ensure their children's continued health and wellbeing," a Manchester City Council spokeswoman said.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which can affect any part of the body but which is most commonly associated with the lungs and lymph nodes.

Symptoms include weight loss, a persistent cough, breathlessness and fever.

[Fatima] was dedicated to her work and was wonderful with the children Headteacher Janina Chinnery

St Chad's headteacher Janina Chinnery said: "We are devastated.

"She was dedicated to her work and was wonderful with the children.

"Our deepest sympathies go to her family at their tragic loss."

As letters were being sent to parents informing them of the tests, the council spokeswoman passed on condolences to the family of the girl.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the student and we offer them our sincere condolences at their tragic loss," she said.

"We are in close contact with the school and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that all relevant people are screened in line with health authority guidelines.

"We have to be guided by the medical experts in this and we are working alongside them to get as much information and help out to parents as we can."

Christine Bell, a respiratory nurse specialist, said tuberulosis was usually spread between family members who are in close contact.

"It would be quite unusual to find it would spread in this situation," she said.