According to reports, despite the diagnosis of three fatal tuberculosis at Belfast City Hospital, patients have been asked not to panic, as health bosses try to know if the recent instance confirmed on Tuesday is similar with the strain that infected 2 other people.

Also, earlier this week, it is reported that a nurse had got the disease from an elderly patient at the hospital, which led to ‘breathlessness, weight loss and extreme tiredness’ and the Belfast Trust later confirmed the diagnosis of the third case.

Though Belfast Health Trust stated that there was a third possible case, it has not been confirmed yet, as there is no evidence that links it to the other two, and patients are asked not to panic, as appointments for screenings are going to be available from Wednesday.

Hence, an advice line has been created and screening is being offered to 43 former patients, as some people have already been screened, while letters are been sent out to others, as well as details for booking appointments.

Moreover, the Medical Director of Belfast Health Trust, Tony Stevens, said: “The public should be reassured that we are dealing with a situation which is very unusual and we are moving very quickly to ensure all staff and patients are protected".