THE number of people contracting tuberculosis looks set to rise, health bosses have warned.

Public health officials have now drawn up an action plan to tackle the potentially life-threatening illness in Bolton and stop it spreading.

The town has higher rates of TB than the UK average, with up to 65 cases diagnosed each year, and there is currently no Greater Manchester strategy to combat the virus.

The rise has been blamed in part to people not turning up for treatment or completing the six-month course of antibiotics they have been prescribed, which could mean the virus is tougher to treat in the future.

People who have lived in, travelled to or come from a country where the virus is common, such as south east Asia, Africa or eastern Europe — or come into close contact with someone who is infected — are particularly at risk.

Bolton Council is now set to launch an action plan to raise awareness of symptoms within communities most at risk of TB, in a bid to try and reduce the stigma of the illness.

A spokesman said: “We will emphasis the risks of failing to complete a course of treatment and emphasise that treatment is free and confidential, regardless of immigration status.

“The treatment for TB is a six month course of antibiotics, but unfortunately, many people stop treatment once they begin to feel better.

“Some patients may also not understand the treatment is free, or may be worried about the social stigma of the disease, so again, may stop the treatment early.

“Failure to complete treatment or skipping a dose may mean the TB infection becomes resistant to the antibiotics.

“This is potentially serious, as it can be difficult to treat and will require a longer or more aggressive course of treatment.”

TB attacks the lungs and other organs, destroying body tissue, and is the leading infectious killer of adults worldwide after HIV.

Symptoms include coughing up blood and phlegm, a fever, weight loss and night sweats.

Over the next year public health chiefs at Bolton Council say they will work with community and faith organisations to focus on "myth busting" and raising awareness of symptoms.

They will also mark World TB day, held on March 24, with a one-off event for health and social care staff to focus on symptom recognition and early diagnosis.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe, cabinet member for public health, said: “In 2013, more than 1.5 million people worldwide died from TB, an entirely curable and preventable disease.

"I am pleased to support this awareness raising and I would urge everyone to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of TB and seek medical help and advice if at all concerned.

"Together we can work to improve the health of all of Bolton’s population.”