New figures released by the government today reveal a disturbing 11% increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases in England.
The data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that 4,855 cases were detected in 2023, a significant jump from the 4,380 cases reported in 2022.
The Victorian Disease Makes a Comeback
TB, also known as the “Victorian disease,” was once thought to be a thing of the past. However, the latest figures indicate that it’s making a comeback, with cases skyrocketing past the national average. The UKHSA reports that 80% of all TB notifications in 2023 were in people born outside the UK, with the most common countries of origin being India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Romania.
Who’s at Risk?
TB is more common in large urban areas, with London having the highest rate of infections at 18.7 notifications per 100,000 people. Additionally, people who experience homelessness, drug and alcohol dependence, and have had contact with the criminal justice system are also at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
TB can manifest in different ways, but common symptoms include:
- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
- High temperature
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to speak to your GP promptly.
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
TB can be treated with a long course of antibiotics, but it’s crucial to catch it early to prevent complications. Dr. Esther Robinson, head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, emphasizes the importance of awareness: “TB is curable and preventable, but the disease remains a serious public health issue in England. 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.”
The Global Picture
TB is the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, having surpassed coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.8 million people were ill with TB in 2023, a 7% increase from 2020.
What’s Being Done to Combat the Rise of TB?
The UKHSA is working with partner organizations to advance TB treatments by assessing the effectiveness of new therapeutics and vaccines. Additionally, the number of people screened before entry to the UK doubled in 2023 to 1,059,309, with 505 people diagnosed with pulmonary TB being prevented from entering the UK until they completed treatment.
The UKHSA also has a testing and treatment programme in place in higher incidence areas of England for new arrivals from higher incidence countries to detect people with latent TB infection.
Stay informed, stay safe!