TB Cases Could Show Signs of Stabilising

24 March 2011

But Experts Urge Caution as Regional Rate Remains High

Latest provisional figures released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Yorkshire and the Humber show signs that the number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases could be stabilising in our region.

The provisional figure, released to mark World TB Day today (24th March), shows that 646* TB cases were confirmed in Yorkshire and the Humber for 2010 when compared to 692 cases the previous year. The figures indicate a provisional rate of 12.2 cases per 100,000 population for the region for 2010, and an annual decrease in cases of 7%.

Final national figures are to published later in the year by the HPA. In previous years, some Yorkshire cities have seen higher rates of the disease when compared to other cities outside London and the South East, and regional experts are calling for the decline in their latest provisional figure to be treated with caution.

Dr Ebere Okereke, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for HPA Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Following a steady increase in the first decade of this century, TB cases within our region appeared to peak by 2006 and remained stable, with early evidence of a decline. However, in 2009, we reported a sharp 11% increase in cases, and this was a serious concern. The latest provisional figure for 2010 is more reflective of the position prior to 2009, and it's encouraging that we are seeing signs that the number of TB cases in our region are beginning to stabilise once again.

"However, this is not enough to tackle the problem and our efforts to control this disease must be strengthened further. TB is both preventable and curable, but prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious ill health and to limit spread of the disease in the community."

TB infection is spread from person to person when someone coughs or sneezes. Close and prolonged contact with someone with active lung TB is needed to be at risk of being infected.

Everyone should be aware of the symptoms of TB, which include:

Fever;
Night sweats;
A persistent cough;
Weight loss;
Blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time;
Lack of appetite;
Fatigue.

If you are concerned that you might have TB because you develop any of these symptoms, visit your family doctor for advice.

Throughout 2010/11, TB experts at HPA Yorkshire and the Humber have been working closely with partners in a bid to raise awareness of the disease in groups that are most at risk of TB, and with the NHS and the voluntary sector, to focus on prevention, management and control of the disease within the region.

In February, national charity TB Alert held two half day seminars in Yorkshire to introduce 'The Truth about TB'; a new national programme of training and resources to support third sector organisations in building awareness of TB into their work with affected communities. The seminars launch a new national strategy to build a network of third sector organisations to deliver TB awareness programmes to the communities they support.

Mike Mandelbaum, Chief Executive of TB Alert, said: "Tuberculosis affects many different communities and local voluntary or third sector organisations provide a vital bridge in reaching these people. The Truth About TB programme helps third sector organisations work alongside local health services to improve care in Yorkshire and the Humber. We aim to ensure that everyone who is at a higher risk of TB recognises the symptoms of the illness and knows how to obtain the free treatment that can cure them."

Dr Okereke said: "The good news is that we're aware that more people in our region who are diagnosed with TB are completing full treatment than ever before. Completing treatment is crucial; both for the patient's health and to reduce the risk of recurrence of disease and further transmission in our communities. Completing full treatment is also vital to prevent the development of drug resistant strains of TB.

She added: "There are some positive signs for our region, but more work needs to be done; elimination of TB should be our goal. With community determination and coordination of efforts across the health service, local authorities, other statutory agencies, voluntary sector and communities, this can be achieved. It is essential that the opportunities provided by the current reorganisation of public health services are harnessed to optimise our ability to effectively treat, prevent and control TB in the region."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

-* Provisional figure, HPA Yorkshire and the Humber
- TB figures for Yorkshire and the Humber, 2005-2010:

2005 - 573

2006- 691

2007 - 641

2008- 637

2009 - 692

2010* - 641

- 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.
Any of the following symptoms may suggest TB:
Fever
Night sweats
Persistent cough
Losing weight
Blood in your sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time
Lack of appetite
Fatigue
If you are concerned that you might have TB because you develop any of these symptoms, visit your family doctor for advice.
It is unusual to catch TB simply by sitting next to an infected person, for example on the train. The infection normally requires prolonged and close contact in order to spread from person to person.
Less than half of cases in the UK have the infectious form of the disease and most cases present little or no risk to others. Most people who come into contact with TB bacteria will be able to fight the bacteria to stop them from developing infectious TB disease.
People with latent (inactive) TB infection have no symptoms, don't feel ill and cannot spread TB to others. Most people who have latent TB infection will never develop active TB disease as the TB bacteria may remain inactive for a lifetime without causing disease. However, for some people, such as those who have weakened immune systems, the bacteria can become active and cause TB disease.
TB treatment is free for the patient.

- For further information about TB and to download a copy of this year's TB newsletter, produced by the HPA, please visit www.hpa.org.uk on Thursday 24 March.

- Information on the 'Truth about TB' and charity TB Alert can also be found at www.thetruthabouttb.org. Further information on TB is available at http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

- World TB Day, which is observed on 24 March each year and organised by the World Health Organisation, aims to build public awareness of the disease and commemorates the day in 1882 when the cause of tuberculosis, TB bacillus, was first discovered. More information can be found at http://www.stoptb.org.

Issued by Charlotte Farrar
Charlotte.farrar@hpa.org.uk
0113 284 0618 / 07810 684 104

Last reviewed: 15 June 2011