SCHOOLCHILDREN in Bolton have tested positive for tuberculosis, a report reveals.

There have been several outbreaks at schools in the borough in the past 12 months and rates of the infectious disease are higher than the national average, according to the council's annual Health Protection Report.

Between 2011 and 2013 – the most recent available figures – there were 20 tuberculosis (TB) cases per 100,000 Boltonians; significantly higher than the national average of 15.

But statistics suggest the rate of new cases of the infectious lung disease, which experts say is most common in migrant populations and homeless people, has been steadily reducing in Bolton from a peak of 25 per 100,000 people between 2007 and 2009.

Bolton Council health bosses say nearly three quarters of all Bolton’s TB cases occur in people who were born abroad.

The report states: “It needs to be acknowledged that the rate of new cases is still significantly higher in Bolton than in England.

“This is due to Bolton having a higher than average number of residents who were born abroad in countries with high TB burden, with nearly three quarters of all TB cases occurring in those born abroad.

“In addition there is a strong association between TB and social deprivation, and Bolton has a higher than average proportion of deprived residents when comparing areas nationally. There have been several cases of TB in Bolton within the last 12 months where public health measures have been required.

“All the cases have been linked to school-age children who attend schools which mainly comprise students from countries with a relatively high burden of TB.”

The Health Protection Report also reveals that in 2012 – the most recent data available – 80 per cent of TB sufferers in Bolton completed their treatment, compared with 83 per cent nationally.

Treatment completion in Bolton – which is essential to prevent people from passing on the disease – peaked in 2010 at 88 per cent but has dropped yearly since.

The council plans to improve access to services to ensure early diagnosis in at-risk populations, improve BCG vaccination uptake, tackle TB in under-served populations and review Bolton’s surge capacity to ensure adequate TB service capacity and support in the event of an outbreak.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said the authority could not comment on which schools were affected and how serious the TB outbreaks were.

The spokesman added: “The rate of TB cases in Bolton is still substantially higher than the national average although the number of cases have remained quite stable over the past few years. 

“The higher than average number of TB cases is partly due to Bolton having above average numbers of residents who are born or spend relatively long periods of time in countries where TB is most prevalent.  In addition, TB is associated with communities who experience comparatively high levels of social deprivation.

“In line with current trends, we have had several cases of TB in the last 12 months, some of which have occurred in children. On each occasion, a multi agency response was coordinated to ensure appropriate public health measures were put in place to reduce the risk of transmission.   

“We will continue to work collaboratively  with communities and other public sector organisations to further reduce the risk of transmission and to raise awareness of the importance of early symptom recognition, diagnosis and treatment completion.”

The Health Protection Report details what planning is in place to deal with a health emergency such as the outbreak disease outbreak or heat wave.

It also reveals that Bolton has significantly higher uptake of key childhood vaccinations such as MMR, HPV and Meningitis C compared to the North West and England.

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm and diabetic retinopathy screening is above the national average, breast screening in line with the average and bowel screening below.

The number of cases of MRSA and C. Difficile in Bolton has stayed relatively stable over the last two years, while in Greater Manchester there has been an overall increase.

Flu immunisation has increased year on year in over-65s – now at 74 per cent – but is at 47.9 per cent for pregnant women. Uptake for toddlers is also below average.

The council suggests working with care home forums and carer registers and developing more accessible out of school hours clinics to increase flu vaccination uptake.