By Sophie Borland
Last updated at 7:47 AM on 4th November 2010
Last updated at 7:47 AM on 4th November 2010
Tuberculosis rates have reached a 30-year high, startling figures reveal today.
There were 9,040 infections last year, the highest recorded since 1979 when there were 9,266 cases.
In addition the number of cases of resistant TB - which cannot be treated with a course of antibiotics - has doubled in the past decade.
London, 1936: TB patients were given a good dose of fresh air on the banks of the Thames
The number of drug-resistant cases of TB rose from 206 in 2000 to 389 in 2009, according to figures from the Health Protection Agency. Health officials warn that the disease is mainly occurring among overseas immigrants, coming from Asian and African countries where it is far more common.
TB can be fatal if not diagnosed early enough and there are around 350 deaths in England every year.
The majority of cases occur in London and other urban areas, and it is particularly common among the homeless and drug users.
The disease, caused by bacteria, infects the lungs and typical symptoms include cough, fever, tiredness, lack of appetite and weight loss.
But people can have the illness for several years without feeling at all unwell - which is one of the reasons it spreads so quickly.
Health Protection Agency officials also warn that the bacteria are becoming resistant to the treatment because patients are stopping taking the drugs too soon.
Dr Paul Cosford, executive director of health protection services at the HPA, said: 'Although drug-resistant and multi-drug resistant cases of infection represent only a small proportion of TB cases overall, each resistant case requires careful and often prolonged treatment and care.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1326436/Tuberculosis-infection-rates-reach-30-year-high-rise-immigration.html#ixzz14JxuJjS7
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