TB used to be very common in Britain before going into decline but during the last three years cases have soared by 40 per cent. Last year 7,300 cases were recorded, the highest since 1982. Symptoms of the disease, which causes scarring of the lungs, are a persistent cough, a fever, weight loss and lethargy. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics, although drug-resistant strains have developed recently. Nearly three million school children have missed their BCG vaccination against TB because of problems with supply but the national programme is due to start again in the next few months.
Immunisation reduces the likelihood of infection by half.