Home / Health / TB Alert: England Faces Victorian Disease Surge
TB Alert: England Faces Victorian Disease Surge
30 Oct
Summary
- Tuberculosis notifications in England show minimal decrease, signaling a public health concern.
- Persistent coughs lasting over 3 weeks, fever, and weight loss are key TB symptoms.
- Most TB cases (82.3%) are in individuals born outside the UK, with London highest.
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health concern in England, with figures from 2025 showing 5,449 notifications. While this represents a slight decrease from the previous year, the UK Health Security Agency emphasizes that TB remains a serious issue.
Officials are urging the public to recognize the symptoms of TB, which include a persistent cough lasting over three weeks, coughing up mucus possibly containing blood, chest pain, fever, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms should prompt individuals to consult their GP, especially if they have lived in countries where TB is more common.
The data reveals that 82.3% of TB notifications were in people born outside the UK, and infection rates are highest in urban centers, notably London. Individuals in more deprived areas are also significantly more likely to be diagnosed with TB.
Efforts are underway to combat TB through a National Action Plan focused on prevention, detection, and control. The challenge is compounded by multi-drug resistant TB, which requires longer and more complex treatment regimens, placing additional strain on health services.
