London has 39% of United Kingdom 's tuberculosis cases

20 March 2008

Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem in the Capital with figures published today by the Health Protection Agency for World TB day showing that the capital accounts for 39% of all cases in the UK.

3,333 tuberculosis cases were diagnosed among those living in London during 2007, a 3% decrease from 2006 when 3,445 cases were reported in London . The most affected age group in London is those aged between 25 and 44.

Dr Helen Maguire , Consultant Medical Epidemiologist for Health Protection Agency London, said:

“Although the number of tuberculosis cases has not risen, 2007 figures are subject to change with late reports to come in and should be interpreted with caution.

“The key message for people living in London is that tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable condition but can be life threatening if left undiagnosed.

“People and their doctors need to be aware of the symptoms of tuberculosis because we need to diagnose the illness as early as possible and get those affected on treatment. Tuberculosis treatment is very effective”.

Dr Maguire concluded by saying: “In London we have been working closely with our colleagues in the NHS to improve information on TB. This information is helping identify the areas and groups within London that are most affected by the disease and target local prevention activity based on this information . We've also developed web-based training materials for doctors and nurses to ensure they have the most up to date information about TB.”

Notes to editors:

1. TB is a disease caused by a germ usually spread in the air. It is caught from another person who has TB of the lungs when that person coughs or sneezes. TB usually affects the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body. Infection with the TB germ may not develop into TB disease. Only some people with TB in the lungs are infectious to other people and even then, you need close and prolonged contact with them to be at risk of being infected. TB disease develops slowly in the body, and it usually takes several months for symptoms to appear. Any of the following symptoms may suggest TB:

   - Fever and night sweats
   - Persistent cough
   - Losing weight
   - Blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time

2. Number of TB cases in London, percentage increase/decrease and rate per 100,000
   
   

   Region	2007	2006	Rise or decrease	Percentage	2007 Rate (per 100,000)
   London	3333	3445	Decrease	-3%	44.35

3. Media enquiries to claire.kennedy@hpa.org.uk tel: 020 7759 2834 or emily.collins@hpa.org.uk tel:020 7759 2824
4. For more information on tuberculosis visit the HPA Website
5. The web-based training has been developed in conjunction with Doctors.net
   www.doctors.net.uk/TB
   www.uknursing.net/TBdiagnosis

Last reviewed: 8 January 2009