Tuberculosis is curable and preventable, but the Victoria disease remains a serious public health issue in England – cases are on the rise by more than 10% in the last year
CDC explains how tuberculosis can be transmitted
Tuberculosis cases have increased by 13% in the latest figures released by the government today.
The figures for the Victorian disease in England are for the amount of people diagnosed with it in 2024. They show cases are soaring in comparison to the figures for 2023. Last year 5,480 cases were detected compared to 4,850 the previous year. The data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that during 2024 there were 9.5 notifications for TB per 100,000 population. This is lower than the high of 2011 which saw 15.6 notifications per 100,000 population.
The UKHSA says 81.5% of all TB notifications in 2024 were in people born outside the UK. Tuberculosis continues to be associated with deprivation and is more common in large urban areas. The largest increases in TB notifications in 2024 were recorded in London and West Midlands. Among UK-born individuals, TB is more common in those experiencing homelessness, drug or alcohol dependency, and contact with the criminal justice system.
Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: “TB remains a serious public health issue in England. The infection is preventable and curable. If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery.
“Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.”
TB is the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, having surpassed coronavirus (COVID-19). It is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious.
According to the NHS, TB is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen), glands, bones and nervous system.
TB is a potentially serious condition, but it can be cured if it’s treated with the right antibiotics.
What are the symptoms of TB?
- A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- High temperature (fever)
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swellings in the neck
