WIREDGOV

World TB Day on 24th March commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch discovered the tubercle bacillus, the cause of tuberculosis.

Over nine million new cases of TB, and nearly two million deaths from TB, are estimated to occur around the world every year. TB kills more people than any other curable infectious diseases. The World Health Organization declared TB a global emergency in 1993.

TB usually causes disease in the lungs (pulmonary), but can also affect other parts of the body (extra-pulmonary). Only the pulmonary form of TB disease is infectious. Transmission occurs through coughing of infectious droplets, and usually requires prolonged close contact with an infectious case. TB is curable with a combination of specific antibiotics, but treatment must be continued for at least six months.

Around 9,000 cases of TB are currently reported each year in the United Kingdom. Most cases occur in major cities, particularly in London.

Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, head of TB surveillance at the HPA said: "TB is currently at the highest levels since the 1970s. The key to reducing levels of TB is early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. TB is a preventable and treatable condition but if left untreated it can be life threatening.

"Efforts to improve early diagnosis and control the spread of this infection must remain a public health priority and be increased in areas where prevalence is high. 

"It is important that health commissioners, especially in parts of the country with the highest rates of TB, prioritise the delivery of appropriate clinical and public health TB services."

For further information about TB see the HPA website: http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/Tuberculosis/