The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning following a rise in a historical illness that was prevalent in the nation during the 1700s. Tuberculosis (TB) cases in England saw a 13.6% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year, as indicated in the latest data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
In 2024, there were 5,490 reported cases of TB, up from 4,831 cases in 2023. TB is both preventable and treatable, with 84.4% of patients successfully completing treatment within a year.
Symptoms of TB include a prolonged cough with mucus lasting more than three weeks. Currently, England has a notification rate of 9.4 cases per 100,000 individuals, which is below the peak of 15.6 cases per 100,000 in 2011.
In 2024, 82% of TB cases were reported in individuals born outside the UK, although there was an increase in cases among both UK-born and non-UK-born populations. This rise aligns with global trends, with many countries observing a surge in TB rates in recent times.
TB remains linked to poverty and is more prevalent in densely populated urban areas. London recorded the highest regional TB rate at 20.6 cases per 100,000, followed by the West Midlands at 11.5 cases per 100,000.
Among UK-born individuals, TB is more common in those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and interactions with the criminal justice system. Drug-resistant TB cases have also reached a peak since enhanced monitoring began in 2012, with 2.2% of confirmed cases showing resistance to multiple drugs, necessitating more prolonged and intricate treatment regimens.
Dr. Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of prompt identification and treatment to curb TB transmission rates. Persistent coughs lasting over three weeks, particularly with mucus, may not always be due to flu or COVID-19 but could indicate TB or other health issues, warranting consultation with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals from regions where TB is prevalent.
TB affecting organs other than the lungs can manifest various symptoms depending on the specific organ involved.