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Don't Ignore Persistent Cough: It Could Be TB
29 Jan
Summary
- England recorded 5,424 tuberculosis cases in 2025.
- Most TB notifications, 81.6%, were in people born outside the UK.
- A new national TB action plan is being developed for 2026-2031.
Tuberculosis continues to be a serious public health issue in England. In 2025, 5,424 cases were recorded, a figure similar to the previous year. A significant 81.6% of these notifications were among individuals born outside the UK, a consistent pattern in recent years. Tuberculosis is also disproportionately affecting areas of deprivation and large urban centres.
Recent data shows regional variations, with the North East experiencing a notable increase in TB notifications, while the West Midlands saw a decrease. The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes that TB is both preventable and curable. Persistent symptoms like a cough lasting over three weeks, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss should be investigated by a GP, as they may indicate TB and not just flu or COVID-19.
Globally, TB is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. The bacterial infection most commonly affects the lungs and spreads through prolonged close contact. Work is progressing on a new National Action Plan for TB, set to cover 2026 to 2031, aiming to improve prevention, detection, and control, with a specific focus on addressing health inequalities.
