The latest figures released by the UK Health Security Agency show that the number of cases of tuberculosis in England has increased 13% since 2023.
UKHSA reported that the number of notifications received by the UKHSA increased to 5,480 from 4,850. This continues the upward trend observed in the past few years. The agency stressed that England is still a country with a low incidence of TB.
The TB rate in England increased from 8.5 per 100 000 population in 2023, to 9.5 in 2024.
UKHSA stated that the vast majority of TB cases in 2024 will be in people who were born outside the UK, but the UKHSA also noted an increase among both UK-born individuals and non-UK-born individuals.
It is also more prevalent in urban areas.
London and West Midlands recorded the largest increase in TB notification in 2024. UKHSA reported that TB was more prevalent among UK-born people who were homeless, had drug or alcohol dependence, or had contact with the criminal system.
The world’s most common infectious agent is now Ebola, surpassing Covid-19.
Dr Esther Robinson is the head of UKHSA’s TB Unit. She said, “TB remains a major public health concern in England.” The infection can be prevented and cured. Please be aware of the symptoms if you are moving to England from a place where TB is common. This will allow you to get tested and treated by your GP.
Not every persistent cough with fever is due to flu or Covid-19. She added that TB can cause a cough with mucus, which lasts more than three weeks.
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