TB figures continue to increase in London

8 December 2009

- 84% of TB cases completed treatment in 12 months in London

The number of people developing tuberculosis (TB) continues to increase in London, according to an annual report published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Last year in London there were 3,376 new cases of TB which were reported to the HPA, which is a 3.2% increase from 2007 when 3,267 cases were reported. Londoners continue to account for the largest number of cases in the UK making up 39% of the UK total figure (8,655 UK cases last year).

Dr. Helen Maguire, TB expert and Head of London Epidemiology at the Health Protection Agency, said: "Cases of TB remain high in London and are at their highest since the late 1980s and efforts to control TB must be strengthened. We must make sure that people with symptoms suggestive of TB see their doctor and get assessed for it. We must keep TB high on the agenda. This is especially important in areas with high rates including most part of north London and inner south London. About 85% of cases in London occur in individuals not born in the UK with more than half living in the UK for 5 or more years before becoming ill.

The key to reducing levels of TB is early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. TB is a preventable and treatable condition but if left untreated it can be life threatening. Treatment must be completed to prevent drug resistance emerging. The improvement in treatment completion in London is very promising. This is crucial to keep drug resistance levels low. With 84% completing the full course of treatment London cases do better than the national figure of 80%

Due to the importance the agency places on controlling TB, we work closely with public health and NHS colleagues on a local level to monitor progress towards the goal of controlling and eventually eliminating this disease."

TB is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. It is spread from person to person when one has TB of the lungs coughs or sneezes. TB usually affects the lungs, but can affect other parts of the body. 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. Any of the following symptoms may suggest TB:

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

Ends

Notes to editors:
For further information, please contact Pamela Shabi, HPA London Comms on 0207 759 2824, pamela.shabi@hpa.org.uk

For more information on TB or to download a copy of the agency's report please go to the HPA website at:  http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/1191942150134/ 

Data from this year's report is also available below. 

TB Report Data (PDF, 14 KB)

Last reviewed: 8 December 2009