MORE cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed in Stroud today as tests for the disease near completion.

After a small outbreak of the disease at the end of last year in Stroud, around 60 people were tested in January.

More cases have been confirmed after the screening but a spokesman from Public Health England said it was 'a very small number.'

These cases are not active TB - unlike the previous five cases - which means they are not infectious.

People who have tested positive for TB have been offered an appointment with a respiratory consultant for further medical reviews and advice.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health England South West said: “We are pleased to say that the investigation is nearing completion and only a small number of people are still to be tested and continue to be followed up.

“Consequently, we do not anticipate the need for any further screening.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community and local partners for their support and co-operation.

“If members of the public are concerned that they may have symptoms of TB, they should contact their GP to discuss.”

TB is a normally a curable bacterial infection, which is treated with antibiotics.

Those with latent TB need to complete the course of antibiotics to stop the bacteria developing into active TB.

Fortunately, it is not easily passed from person to person and generally the risk to others is low.

Symptoms include a chronic cough (lasting 3 weeks or more), fatigue, weight loss, weakness, fever, sweating and loss of appetite.