More medical checks after TB scare

More than a dozen people have to undergo further medical checks after health authorities screened a far north Queensland school for tuberculosis.

More than 100 people connected to the Cairns State High School were screened for tuberculosis in the past week.

The tests were carried out after a member of the school community - reportedly a Year 12 student - was diagnosed with the illness earlier this month.

Of those screened, 14 have been referred for follow-up appointments to monitor any potential outbreak.

But it's highly unlikely these people have contracted tuberculosis, a health department spokesperson says.

He said the further appointments are part of normal contact tracing protocols.

Those who missed the initial screening are urged to present to the tuberculosis control unit at Cairns Hospital.

The initial case was considered on the lower end of infectivity.

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that typically attacks the lungs.