TB is often thought of as a Victorian disease, but it’s now seeing a resurgence
People are being urged to be vigilant for a cough lasting longer than three weeks, as it could be an indicator of a potentially fatal Victorian-era disease that is seeing a resurgence. The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that notifications of tuberculosis (TB) in England rose by 13% in 2024 compared to 2023.
TB is a bacterial infection that spreads through airborne particles and primarily affects the lungs. Often associated with the Victorian era due to its high incidence during that time, it was largely eliminated with the advent of vaccines and antibiotics.
However, there were 5,480 reported instances of the disease in England in 2024, up from 4,850 in 2023. TB remains most prevalent in urban areas, including London.
Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, high temperatures, intense night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. While it can be deadly, TB can be cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly with a specific combination of antibiotics.
Early diagnosis is crucial for the best outcome. While the incidence of TB has remained low in England for many years, data from 2023 and 2024 indicates a reversal of the previous downward trend, with rates now exceeding pre-Covid levels.
In England, the majority of TB cases are found among individuals born outside the UK (81.5%). For those born in the UK (18.5%), studies have established a clear connection between TB and deprivation, including instances of homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and contact with the criminal justice system.
