TB on the rise

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West in partnership with NHS North West is urging people to be aware of the symptoms of TB as new provisional data published today (16 March) shows that TB figures remain high in the region.

The figures, released by the HPA ahead of World TB Day on 24 March, show that cases of TB nationally have increased by 5.5%, from 8,679 reported in 2008 to 9,153 in 2009. In the North West, the figures show an 11% increase over the last four years with 841 cases in 2009.

Dr Marko Petrovic, regional TB lead at the HPA North West, said: “The recent increase in cases here in the North West shows that we must remain vigilant in our fight against TB. This is an entirely preventable and curable infection, but it can be fatal if prompt diagnosis and treatment are not given.

“People need to be aware of the main symptoms of TB, which include a fever and night sweats; a persistent cough; weight loss; and blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit). If you experience two or three of these symptoms for a period of more than three weeks, you should go to your GP.”

Both health professionals and the general public should be aware of the following key, simple facts about TB:

• TB is curable. It is usually treated with a six-month course of antibiotics, which MUST be completed in order to discourage recurrence of disease or drug resistance.
• Other symptoms include: lack of appetite, fatigue and a general sense of feeling unwell. TB may also affect glands - causing a swollen neck - or bones and joints, leading to aches and pains. TB meningitis often gives a person severe headaches and, although rare, may result in death.
• It is unusual to catch TB simply by sitting next to an infected person on the train. The infection normally requires prolonged and close contact in order to spread from person to person.
• Under half of the cases in the UK have the infectious form of the disease. Most cases present little or no risk to others.
• TB affects children and adults differently. It is very uncommon to catch TB from a child with the disease.
• TB treatment is free for the patient.

NHS North West, the HPA and national TB charity TB Alert are joining forces in the region to raise awareness of TB and inform people how they can help reduce the spread of infection.

TB Alert works with voluntary sector organisations to increase awareness of TB among affected communities. The charity will bring new ideas from across the UK to the North West where they will be tested out with local partner organisations.

Dr Ruth Hussey, Regional Director of Public Health, NHS Northwest, said: “Although TB affects a relatively small number of people, the consistent increase in the number of cases means our efforts to control the disease must be strengthened. Both health professionals and the general public alike must remain vigilant if we are to eradicate the disease.”

In May 2010 the HPA will launch the national strain typing service, which aims to improve understanding of how TB is spread in the community and help to identify at-risk groups. This will help to inform how public health resources are allocated and, in turn, prevent outbreaks and improve diagnosis and treatment of cases.