TB rate 'twice national average'

People in inner city areas are prone to the disease

Rates of tuberculosis (TB) infection in Manchester are more than twice the national average, figures show.

In 2007, the NHS treated 187 people with the disease in the city - an increase of 16 cases from 2006.

Although TB levels among the UK population are low, rates remain high in inner city areas such as Manchester.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was "vitally important" anyone who developed symptoms of the condition sought medical help.

Across the north west of England, rates of infection seem to have reached a plateau, the agency said.

There were 743 cases reported in 2007, a slight increase on 727 in 2006 but down on 2005's figure of 758.

It can even be life-threatening Dr Marko Petrovic

But in the city of Manchester, the TB rate is now 41.4 cases per 100,000 of population. The England average is 15.2 cases per 100,000.

Dr Marko Petrovic, the HPA's TB expert in the north west of England, said the latest figures were being released to raise awareness about the disease.

He said: "TB is almost always fully curable, but if left untreated for too long, there is greater chance of serious damage being caused to the patient's lungs.

"It can even be life-threatening."

Coughing blood

Dr Petrovic said it was vital that people sought medical help as soon as possible, and that those diagnosed completed their treatment, which can last up to six months.

TB is a disease that develops, usually in the lungs, of people infected by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

It is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, producing tiny bacteria-infested water droplets which are easily breathed in by others in the vicinity.

Symptoms of TB can include fever and night sweats, persistent cough, weight loss and blood in sputum.