Tuberculosis outbreak confirmed at HMP Parc prison in Bridgend

Two further cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed as part of an outbreak at a prison in Bridgend.

Public Health Wales said it brings the total number of cases under investigation to six of patients who have spent time at HMP Parc Prison.

The men diagnosed with TB, an infection which affects the lungs, are said to have "responded well to treatment" and pose "no ongoing public health risk."

Three of cases are no longer in the prison.

Screening of inmates will be taking place at the prison

TB is difficult to catch, and requires close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual for a person to become infected. The infection can be treated with antibiotics and a cure is possible in most instances.

Public Health Wales said it is working with relevant authorities for screening to take place at the prison, which it said is, "part of a routine response to a situation of this nature".

Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said, "We are reassuring staff and prisoners that this is a usual step in our response to incidents of this nature."

TB is an infection which affects the lungs Credit: PA Images

  • What is TB?

TB is an infection usually affecting the lungs, but any part of the body can be affected. Anyone can catch TB by breathing in the bacteria in tiny droplets sneezed or coughed out by someone who has TB in their lungs. But this requires prolonged and close contact.

The most common symptom of TB in adults is a persistent cough. Other symptoms can include weight loss, a high temperature, and sweating, particularly at night.

Anyone who is concerned about their health should speak to their GP or contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.