Health teams mark world TB day

There were 102 cases of TB in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in 2012, which is lower than the national average (a total of 8,751 over the same period). However, left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems or be life threatening.

People who are most at risk of TB include; those with general poor health and a low immune system (the body’s natural defence), people with poor nutrition, and those living in poor and over-crowded housing conditions.

Both Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Councils are working with partners in front-line services, particularly those working with vulnerable communities, aiming to improve awareness of TB as a serious but curable condition and making sure that both services and individuals know how to access support for diagnosis and treatment.

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board said: “TB is both preventable and treatable, but can be life threatening if not treated which is why is important to diagnose it as soon as possible and provide treatment.

“As a Council we are continuing to work with workers on front line who come into contact with people who are most at risk of contracting the disease on a day-to-day basis. Equipping them with the ability to spot the signs and symptoms of TB, and the knowledge of how to refer them into the health service for treatment will help us continue to manage rates in Nottinghamshire.”