Cases of TB remain high in North West

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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 shows that TB figures remain high in the region.

The figures, released by the HPA ahead of World TB Day tomorrow show that cases of TB nationally have increased by five per cent from 8,483 new cases reported in 2010 to 9,042 in 2011.

In the North West, the figures show a small decrease with 843 cases reported in 2010 and 821 in 2011 with the NW region having the third highest number of cases in England behind London (3,588 cases) and the West Midlands (1,018 cases).

Dr Marko Petrovic, regional TB lead at the HPA North West, said: “We’re pleased the number of cases has shown a small decrease, however we must continue to be vigilant in our fight against TB as the number of new cases is still very high. 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 any of these symptoms please speak with your GP.”

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

• TB is curable with a six-month course of antibiotics
• Not completing the full course can encourage drug resistance
• TB disease develops slowly in the body over a period of several months
• Symptoms are: fever and night sweats, persistent cough, weight loss, blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time, a lack of appetite, fatigue and a general sense of feeling unwell
• The infection requires prolonged and close contact in order to spread from person to person 
• Under half of cases in the UK have the infectious form of the disease
• Most cases present little or no risk to others
• 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 have joined forces in the region and are working together 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.