People are being urged to watch out for a cough lasting for a certain length of time, as tuberculosis (TB) cases have risen across England again. Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal that notifications of TB in England rose by 13% in 2024 compared to 2023.

TB is a bacterial infection that spreads through airborne particles and typically targets the lungs. Often associated with the Victorian period due to its widespread occurrence then, it was largely eliminated following the advent of vaccines and antibiotics.

However, there were 5,480 reported instances of the disease in England in 2024, a significant increase from the 4,850 cases in 2023. TB continues to be most prevalent in urban areas, including London.

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Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, high temperatures, intense night sweats, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Although potentially deadly, TB can be cured if diagnosed early and promptly treated with a specific combination of antibiotics.

Early detection is crucial for the best possible outcome. The incidence of TB has remained low in England for an extended period. However, data from 2023 and 2024 indicates a reversal of the previous downward trend, with rates now exceeding those recorded pre-Covid.

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 strong connection between TB and deprivation, affecting particularly those who are homeless, dependent on drugs or alcohol, or have had interactions with the criminal justice system.