CASES of tuberculosis in Bolton have risen for the first time in a decade.

There were 66 cases in 1999, compared with 59 the previous year.

And it has been revealed that a programme of routine BCG jabs for 13 year-olds has stopped in Bolton secondary schools because of a national shortage.

There has been an alarming rise in cases of hepatitis B and C which is believed to have been caused by an increase in drug abuse and promiscuous lifestyles.

There were 115 cases in 1999, compared with 59 in 1998.

Dr Robert Aston, consultant in communicable disease control for Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, said the illness is spread through blood or body fluids. The illness is curable, but it can leave long-term liver problems.

TB can attack any organ of the body, but the pulmonary form which affects the lungs is the most dangerous.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, night sweats and a dramatic weight loss.

The figures were revealed in a report by Dr Aston on communicable diseases to Bolton Council's environment and consumer sub-committee yesterday.

He said the increase in TB is in line with national figures.

In his report, Dr Aston said: "During 1999, there were major problems in the supply of BCG vaccine at national level and there is no information from the Department of Health on when regular supplies will be resumed.

"TB takes weeks rather than days to develop, but if anyone is suffering from the symptoms, then they should ask their doctor to check for it."

There is some of the vaccination left, but it is being limited to priority cases and those considered a high risk.

People can also be tested if they have been in contact with someone suffering from the disease.

An alarming rise in the number of food poisoning cases in Bolton was reported last year -- 463 cases compared with 395 the previous year.

But there has been a fall in cases of meningococcal septicaemia, which can kill within hours.

There were 21 cases in 1999, compared with 34 in 1998, although other cases of meningitis rose from 15 to 17.

Cases of the C strain are expected to drop dramatically in the next 12 months with the introduction of a new vaccination programme.

Health chiefs are hopeful that all under 18-year-olds will be vaccinated against the HiB strain by the end of the year.

There has been no confirmed new cases of measles, mumps and rubella in the past 12 months. As reported last year, the illnesses have been wiped out since the MMR vaccine was introduced.

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