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21/03/2013
Number Of TB Cases Increase
The Public Health Agency has said the number of tuberculosis (TB) in NI has increased.
It confirmed cases had risen by 40% in 2012.
Last year, there were 87 reported cases of TB, compared to 62 in 2011.
Since 2004, there have also been 12 reported cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) in Northern Ireland.
TB is an infection caused by bacteria which usually affects the lungs. It is spread from person to person, when someone who has the infection in their lungs, coughs or sneezes. However, only some people with TB in the lungs are infectious to others. Although it can be fatal if not treated, TB is usually curable with a six-month course of antibiotics which must be completed.
Dr Michael Devine, from the Public Health Agency, said: "Although people may think of TB as a disease of the past, the risk is that we become complacent, and with new drug-resistant types of TB evolving and increased international travel, it is essential that we maintain vigilance and know what to look out for.
"TB is not easily spread; close and prolonged contact is required for someone to even be at risk of being infected. Because of this, the greatest risk is to people who live in the same household."
(JP)
It confirmed cases had risen by 40% in 2012.
Last year, there were 87 reported cases of TB, compared to 62 in 2011.
Since 2004, there have also been 12 reported cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) in Northern Ireland.
TB is an infection caused by bacteria which usually affects the lungs. It is spread from person to person, when someone who has the infection in their lungs, coughs or sneezes. However, only some people with TB in the lungs are infectious to others. Although it can be fatal if not treated, TB is usually curable with a six-month course of antibiotics which must be completed.
Dr Michael Devine, from the Public Health Agency, said: "Although people may think of TB as a disease of the past, the risk is that we become complacent, and with new drug-resistant types of TB evolving and increased international travel, it is essential that we maintain vigilance and know what to look out for.
"TB is not easily spread; close and prolonged contact is required for someone to even be at risk of being infected. Because of this, the greatest risk is to people who live in the same household."
(JP)
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