Bristol ‘has highest number of new TB cases in South West’

❝

BRISTOL has the highest number of new cases of tuberculosis across the South West, new figures have revealed.

Statistics published by Public Health England (PHE) reveal that the city had 13.5 cases per 100,000 head of population in 2017 – compared to a national average of 4.2.

The figures come at the same time as rates of tuberculosis (TB) have falled to their lowest levels since records began.

Following action by PHE and the NHS locally, there was a 31 per cent drop in new diagnoses in the South West from the peak in 2013 to 2017 from 326 cases to 234 cases.

The region has also seen a two per cent fall in diagnoses between 2016 and 2017.

TB is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs.

The most common symptoms of TB are a persistent cough for more than three weeks, unexplained

weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Although TB can be fatal if left untreated, it is curable for the majority with a course of antibiotics.

In Bath and North East Somerset, there were 1.6 cases of TB per 100,000 head of population in 2017, while in North Somerset there were 2.8 cases and in South Gloucestershire 3.2.

Research shows that the most deprived 10 per cent of population have a rate of TB more than seven times higher than the least deprived 10 per cent.

People born outside of the UK have a rate 13 times higher than people born in the UK.

Public Health England has played a key role in driving down the rates of TB in England, working with NHS England and other partner organisations to implement the Collaborative Tuberculosis Strategy for England 20152020.

This includes raising awareness and tackling TB in under-served populations, implementing schemes to ensure at risk groups successfully complete treatment, and strengthening and monitoring.

The South of England TB Control Board, one of seven TB Control Boards across England, brings together PHE, local authority public health specialists, the NHS, NHS England, local commissioners and others to work to control TB in their area.

Christina Gray, director of public health for Bristol City Council, said they were working proactively ito help identify cases and hold surveillance systematic screenings.

“However, it is important to remember that TB is difficult to catch, is not easily passed from person to person, and can be treated easily with antibiotics.

“We are supporting Public Health England to raise awareness of the disease because spotting the symptoms early and seeking treatment is key to ending TB.”

More information about TB can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/tuberculosis-tb/.