Home / Health / TB Surge: Persistent Cough Warning Issued
TB Surge: Persistent Cough Warning Issued
30 Jan
Summary
- A persistent cough lasting over three weeks may signal tuberculosis return.
- Tuberculosis cases increased by 13% nationwide in 2024.
- West Midlands saw the steepest rise in TB cases in England.

A concerning increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases has prompted health officials to issue a warning about a persistent cough lasting over three weeks. This Victorian-era illness, primarily affecting the lungs, has seen a 13% rise nationwide in 2024 compared to the previous year. The West Midlands region reported the steepest increase in TB cases across England.
Figures show an average of 210 annual TB diagnoses in the UK up to 2024. Specific areas like Wolverhampton and Coventry have also reported elevated infection rates. TB is a bacterial infection transmitted through airborne particles. While treatable with antibiotics, prompt diagnosis is vital for effective outcomes.




