Patients recalled for TB tests

TB can be passed on by coughing or spitting

More than 1,300 people treated at Sunderland Royal Hospital are being told they may have come into contact with a member of staff who had tuberculosis (TB).

The patients, who were treated at the hospital "some weeks ago", have been notified by letter and told what symptoms to look out for.

About 100 patients who had prolonged contact with the employee have already been given an appointment for screening.

A spokesman for Sunderland Royal Hospital, said it was "unlikely" any patient would contract TB.

'Extremely rare'

A statement to BBC News Online said: "Catching TB from a casual contact with someone is extremely rare - fairly close contact for a long time is usually needed.

"We are screening a number of patients who may have been in contact with the individual for more than three days.

"City Hospitals Sunderland wishes to reassure all patients, members of the public and staff that routine procedures are in place to deal with such contingencies, complying with the best national guidelines."

About 30 cases of TB are diagnosed each year in the Sunderland area and screening programmes are routinely carried out once or twice a year.

A telephone helpline number has been issued to all 1300 people who were contacted by post.

TB usually attacks the lungs and can be passed on by coughing or spitting.

Symptoms do not usually start showing until up to three months after infection and is usually diagnosed by chest x-ray.

The disease kills about two million people worldwide every year, more than Aids and malaria combined.

The number of recorded TB cases in England and Wales rose from 5,085 in 1987 to 6,797 last year, according to the Public Health Laboratory Service.