Brent has the second highest tuberculosis infection rate in the capital, figures have revealed.

A staggering 1,248 people have been diagnosed with the contagious lung disease in the past five years.

And in 2006 the borough saw a higher rate than eastern European country Azerbaijan.

The statistics cast a worrying light on the standard of living in the borough, with experts linking TB to areas where high levels of poverty, malnutrition, poor general health and social disruption are present.

Professor Geoffrey Pasvol, an expert in infection and tropical medicine at Northwick Park, said: "Tuberculosis is most commonly brought into the country from overseas and it is high in Brent for a number of reasons.

"The borough has a large ethnic and immigrant population and lot of people are infected before they come to the UK.

"There are also a high number of residents who frequently travel to and from countries such as south Asia and Africa, where TB is a problem."

Common symptoms of the deadly disease include chest pain, a prolonged cough for more than three weeks, night sweats, weight loss and coughing up blood.

It is spread through the coughing of infectious droplets, but can be cured with a course of medicine.

TB is on the increase in the UK, with 8,500 cases being diagnosed last year and every day at least one person dies from the virus.

In 2007, Newham had the worst infection rate in London with 278 cases, followed by Brent, with 276.

Jim Connelly, interim director of public health at Brent teaching Primary Care Trust, said: "We are aware of the high rates of TB in the borough and are reviewing the services we have.

"All children born in Brent receive an effective BCG immunisation, but we need to tackle the stigma attached to this disease and encourage those who display the symptoms to consult their GP. "

Worried residents can visit The TB service, based at Willesden Centre for Health and Care, if they think they have contracted the disease and will be X-rayed the same day.

Tina Harrison, spokeswoman for charity TB alert, said: "The main thing to remember is that TB is a curable disease. It is also much more difficult to catch than most people believe.

"Several hours of close prolonged exposure is usually needed to be at risk and then most people's immune systems will fight off the infection."