Cov has one of worst TB rates in country

COVENTRY sees an average of almost 100 cases of tuberculosis (TB) a year.

Figures revealed that between 2015 and 2017, there were an average of 83 cases of tuberculosis per year in the area, or 23.6 cases for every 100,000 people.

This may not seem too high, but it works out as one of the highest rates seen nationally.

It comes after Public Health England released its latest figures.

Nationally, there are just 8.4 cases per 100,000 people.

London accounted for the highest number of TB cases in England, followed by the West Midlands.

In 2017, there were 1,919 cases recorded in the capital, compared to 663 in the West Midlands.

The rate of TB per 100,000 population in London in 2017, at 21.7 cases per 100,000, was over five times higher than the rates in the South West and North East, which at 4.2 per 100,000 people had the lowest rates.

Across the UK, there was a 9.0 per cent decline in the number of cases from 6,116 in 2016 to 5,567 in 2017.

The number and rate of TB cases in 2017 was the lowest since data from enhanced TB surveillance was first available in 2000.

The majority of TB cases in the UK occurred in England.

In 2017, there were 5,102 cases, a decline of 38 per cent since the peak of 8,280 in 2011. In 2017, the rate of TB in England was 9.2 per 100,000.

What is TB?Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.

It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen) glands, bones and nervous system.

TB is a serious condition, but it can be cured if it’s treated with the right antibiotics.

Typical symptoms of TB include: ■■A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm ■■Night sweats ■■High temperature (fever) ■■Tiredness and fatigue ■■Loss of appetite ■■Swellings in the neck

You should see a GP if you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks or you cough up blood.