Why are young people in the UK developing severe TB?

Young people are developing severe TB due to delayed diagnoses post-COVID and the spread of extra-pulmonary TB, which can affect the spine and lead to paralysis.

What factors are contributing to the rise in TB cases in the UK?

Factors include delayed diagnoses post-COVID, increased international mobility, reduced global funding for TB efforts, and the disease spreading within vulnerable populations like prisons and the homeless.

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Young Brits Crippled by Tuberculosis Surge

Q: Is England at risk of becoming a medium TB incidence country?

Yes, England is rapidly approaching the World Health Organization's threshold for a 'medium incidence' country due to a significant rise in tuberculosis cases.

31 Jan

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Summary

Young people are developing severe TB, some losing the ability to walk.
England risks losing low-TB status, nearing WHO 'medium incidence' threshold.
An Amazon warehouse in Coventry had 10 employees test positive for TB.

Young Brits Crippled by Tuberculosis Surge

A top medical professor has warned that young people in Britain are developing severe forms of tuberculosis, with some losing the ability to walk. Professor Onn Min Kon stated that England is rapidly approaching the World Health Organization's threshold for a 'medium incidence' country due to soaring TB cases.

The severity of presentations seems worse, with delayed diagnoses post-COVID contributing to advanced stages of the disease. Extra-pulmonary TB, affecting the spine, can lead to paralysis and profoundly impact productive young adults, causing significant financial and rehabilitation challenges.

England recorded 5,480 TB cases in 2024, and notification rates have been steadily rising. This increase places the nation at risk of losing its low-TB status, potentially joining countries like Albania and Romania in the medium-risk category.