The increase in cases of Tuberculosis in Wales has become a cause of worry for the Heath Protection Agency in UK. The numbers have risen by more than 5% in the last one year.

Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency state that the total number of cases in UK has risen from 9,153 in 2009, from 8,679 of 2008. Areas worst affected are Wales and the South West.

Ibrahim Abubakar, a TB expert at the HPA's centre for infections said, "This increase shows that we must remain vigilant in our fight against TB". However, he also maintained that the spread of the disease can be curtailed since it is curable and preventable and only proves fatal if timely treatment is not undertaken.

Lika Nehaul, Head of Public Health of Wales, stressed the importance of being aware of the symptoms of the disease.

Fever, night sweats, persistent cough, weight loss, lack of appetite, blood in sputum or phlegm and a general sense of feeling unwell are the major symptoms of the disease. Health officials opine that if several of these symptoms continue for three weeks or more, then a doctor should be consulted.