By Julie Morgan

Published at 11:05, Thursday, 05 April 2012

NHS Cumbria’s health experts are asking people to be aware as cases of tuberculosis have increased over the last three years.

Across the county there were 10 cases in 2010 and latest provisional figures for 2011 reveal 22 confirmed case.

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an airbourne bacterial infection which can spread throughout the body to the lungs, bones and even nervous system. It can be years between someone being exposed to TB and them showing symptoms.

It is however entirely curable and most people make a full recovery after a long- term course of antibiotics if caught early enough. Symptoms include coughing, which lasts over three weeks, especially if the person coughs up blood; unexplained weight loss; fever, night sweats and feeling overly tired.

TB can be fatal in some people who do not receive treatment as it can damage the lungs, however Cumbria’s public health chiefs stress TB is preventable and treatable. People who do receive treatment will normally be given a long-term course of antibiotics for at least six months.

Dr Nigel Calvert, associate director of public health, said: “Although we don’t hear about TB very often it is still a real health issue and one which everyone should be aware of.

“Every year across the world thousands of people continue to die from TB, so we need to be able to recognise the symptoms and give people the treatment they need if they have the condition here in Cumbria.

“Treatment for TB is now relatively simple, usually antibiotic treatment for six months, and most people make a full recovery if the condition is caught early enough.’’

Anyone who is worried about any symptoms they may be experiencing should visit their GP or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk