TB plea to worshippers at mosque

Six people who attended the mosque have contracted TB

A health inquiry has begun after six worshippers at an Aberdeen mosque were diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Medical staff have been trying to trace Muslim worshippers in the city after the cases came to light.

A spokesman for NHS Grampian said the risk to the public was very small, but added that it was essential worshippers were screened.

Symptoms of the disease include coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath and fever.

NHS Grampian said it was trying to trace everyone who attended prayers at the Aberdeen mosque in Spital Road between the beginning of July and mid-October last year.

The unusual move came after a routine investigation of a TB case revealed that five other people had been affected.

All of those diagnosed with the condition have been receiving treatment.

There are an estimated 1,000 Muslims living in the local area.

The mosque has been issued with letters to send to the congregation and a helpline has also been launched. The telephone number is 08000 282 816.