People are being urged to be look out for a cough lasting longer than three weeks, as it could signal the resurgence of a deadly Victorian disease.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a 13% increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases in England in 2024 compared to 2023.
TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air. It was prevalent during the Victorian era but was largely eradicated with the introduction of vaccines and antibiotics.
However, there were 5,480 reported cases of TB in England in 2024, up from 4,850 in 2023. The disease is most common in urban areas, including London.
Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, high temperatures, night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
While potentially fatal, TB can be cured if diagnosed early and treated promptly with a specific combination of antibiotics.
Early diagnosis is crucial for the best outcome.
Although TB incidence 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 people born outside the UK (81.5%). For those born within the UK (18.5%), studies have established a strong correlation between TB and socio-economic deprivation.
This includes individuals who have experienced homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, or have had interactions with the criminal justice system.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
