London has four in ten of the UK's tuberculosis cases

24 March 2009

Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem in London 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 United Kingdom.

3,415 tuberculosis cases were diagnosed among those living in London during 2008, a 2% increase from 2007 when 3,333 cases were reported in London. The most affected age group in London is those aged between 25 and 44.

Dr Helen Maguire, a TB expert for the Health Protection Agency London, said:

"It is typical for a major city to have a larger proportion of TB cases compared to other areas and over the last four years in London we have seen consistently high rates of the disease. The key to halting the health burden caused by TB is the prompt diagnosis and treatment of infectious cases with a course of antibiotics.

"Treatment is very effective and it is crucial that all people with TB, especially those who are infectious, are diagnosed and treated early. About one in four people with TB are infectious and getting treatment reduces the chance of the disease being passed on to others.

"Londoners and their doctors need to be aware of the symptoms of TB so that it can be treated immediately. TB can be life threatening if undiagnosed."

The symptoms of TB include fever and night sweats, a persistent cough, weight loss and blood in the phlegm or spit at anytime.

Dr Maguire added: "TB is a high priority for the NHS and HPA in London. We are working together to improve information about TB and to help identify the areas and groups within London that are most affected so that work to prevent the spread of the disease can be carried out locally."

ENDS

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

Provisional new tuberculosis cases, 2005-2008

					% change in numbers
Region/area	2005	2006	2007	2008	05-Jun	06-Jul	07-Aug
London	3541	3445	3333	3415	-3%	-3%	2%
UK	8370	8555	8496	8679	2%	-1%	2%

3) For more information on TB visit www.hpa.org.uk

Media enquiries:
Tycie West - tycie.west@hpa.org.uk / 020 7759 2834
Emily Collins - emily.collins@hpa.org.uk / 020 7759 2824

Last reviewed: 25 May 2010