Provisional figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the UK have increased by 5.5%, from 8,679 reported in 2008 to 9,153 in 2009.
The figures, released in the agency’s annual TB newsletter ahead of World TB Day, showed the main burden of this infection is still in London with 3,476 cases reported in 2009, accounting for 38% of the UK total. The West Midlands region reported the second highest number of cases, accounting for 11.3% of cases. A rise in cases was seen in eight out of nine regions. Nearly three-quarters of cases occur in people born outside the UK. Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, a TB expert at the HPA’s Centre for Infections, said: “The increase we have seen this year is the biggest rise in the number of cases since 2005. This increase shows that we must remain vigilant in our fight against TB. This is an entirely preventable and curable infection, but it can be fatal if prompt diagnosis and treatment are not given.” Professor Maria Zambon, director of the HPA’s Centre for Infections, added: “Although some progress is being made, the consistent increase in the number of cases of TB in the UK means our efforts to control the disease must be strengthened. Both health professionals and the general public alike must remain vigilant if we are to eradicate this major global killer infection.” This month, the HPA is launching a national strain typing service, which will aim to improve understanding of how TB is spread in the community and help to identify at-risk groups.
