The UK Health Security Agency has warned the once-deadly disease is back on the rise
The public is being urged to be vigilant for a cough lasting more than three weeks, as it could indicate the return of a lethal disease from the Victorian era.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted a 13 per cent rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases in England in 2024 compared to 2023.
TB is a bacterial infection that mainly targets the lungs and is transmitted through the air. It was widespread during the Victorian period but was largely eliminated with the advent of vaccines and antibiotics.
However, there were 5,480 reported instances of TB in England in 2024, an increase from 4,850 in 2023. The disease is most prevalent in urban areas, including London.
Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, high temperatures, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss, reports the Express.
While potentially deadly, TB can be cured if detected early and promptly treated with a specific combination of antibiotics. Early diagnosis is key for the best outcome.
Although the incidence of TB has remained low in England for many years, data from 2023 and 2024 suggests a reversal of the previous downward trend, with rates now surpassing pre-Covid levels.
In England, the majority of TB cases are found among individuals born outside the UK (81.5%). For those born within the UK (18.5%), research has identified a strong link between TB and socio-economic deprivation.
This encompasses individuals who have experienced homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, or have had interactions with the criminal justice system.