CASES of Tuberculosis in Redbridge have risen to their highest levels in recent years and are considered a major concern'.

There were 144 diagnoses of Tuberculosis (TB) in Redbridge last year compared with 120 in 2005. The borough has an incident rate of 57.3 cases per 100,000 of population with an average rate of 44.7 in the capital as a whole.

TB is a preventable and curable disease and symptoms may include chronic cough, weight loss, intermittent fever, night sweats and coughing up blood. If left untreated it can lead to weakening of the lungs, damage to other organs and death.

The vaccination of all school children was dropped in 2005 as cases of the disease were greatly reduced. It was considered more cost-effective to concentrate on specific areas with high-risk populations.

However, increased immigration from Africa and Asia ,where the disease continues to kill many, means that it is has started to worry health authorities once again. Newham has the highest rate with 107.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Redbridge PCT Deputy Director of Public Health, Gladys Xavier, said that they have invested more resources in both the hospital-based TB team and in community services and expect to see TB cases start to reduce in the borough.

She added: "The aim of the investment is to help raise awareness of TB, improve the uptake of the BCG vaccine, and improve early diagnosis and treatment.

"This will ensure the risk to the local population reduces and that people move very quickly from becoming aware of symptoms to seeing their GP and getting direct access to services and treatment.

"In terms of preventing infection with TB, since April 2006 the BCG vaccination has been offered to all babies born to Redbridge mothers. By taking up the offer of vaccinations parents can help protect their child against the risk of TB".