CASES of tuberculosis in Waveney and Great Yarmouth have continued to rise.Twelve new cases of TB were reported in the area from July to September last year according to an infection control quarterly report presented to a meeting of the board of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney this week.

CASES of tuberculosis in Waveney and Great Yarmouth have continued to rise.

Twelve new cases of TB were reported in the area from July to September last year according to an infection control quarterly report presented to a meeting of the board of NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney this week.

Last September it was reported that there had been a sharp increase in TB, with 20 cases in Yarmouth and Waveney since April.

According to the latest report yesterday, five clinics were held between July and September last year and six patients were referred to the James Paget University Hospital chest clinic. Four patients were referred to the paediatric team at the hospital.

The report states: 'Quarter two has seen a further increase in cases of TB in this area with 12 new cases reported to the TB team.

'Extensive contact tracing continues to be carried out, and individuals who have been identified as contacts requiring prophylaxis or treatment have been dealt with as a matter of urgency.'

TB is only caught through close contact. Children, the elderly, drug users, the homeless and people living in poor or overcrowded housing are most at risk.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, fever and weight loss. It is treated with a six-month course of antibiotics. But Norfolk and Suffolk is still considered a low prevalence area for TB. It is most common in London.