Health experts have expressed worry after observing a spike in the number of cases of tuberculosis in England.
An investigation has been launched to investigate the reason as there has been an 11 percent rise in TB cases in England in 2023 compared with 2022, as per the provisional data.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there were 4,850 cases of tuberculosis last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Officials noted the most significant rises occurred in urban areas such as London, the North West, and the West Midlands.
However, increases were also observed in regions with lower TB rates, including the South West and North East.
Tuberculosis typically affects the lungs and can be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
The BCG vaccine offers protection against TB but is administered only to individuals at elevated risk of contracting the infection.
Officials said cases were “broadly stable” in 2021 and 2022, with 4,380 cases in 2022. The UKHSA said officials have launched an investigation to determine what has led to the increase.
Dr Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at UKHSA, said: “We need collective action to tackle TB and we are working with partners across the health system to understand how we can best refocus efforts to stamp out this preventable and treatable infection.
“Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or Covid-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB.”
Dr Robinson advised people to speak to their GP if they thought they were at risk.
Professor Nick Hopkinson, medical director of the charity Asthma and Lung UK, said: “Given increasing poverty in the UK, in particular child poverty, the increase in tuberculosis cases is unfortunately not surprising. There is a well-established link between deprivation and poor lung health. TB is associated with deprivation. Poor housing and poor nutrition increase the risk of infection spreading and of people who are infected developing active disease because their immune systems are weakened.
“Smoking also substantially increases the risk of developing TB. Although overall population smoking levels are falling, smoking rates remain higher in more deprived communities.
“TB is treatable, but people with symptoms need to be able to access healthcare – there have been substantial cuts to public health funding since 2010 which are likely to have made the problem worse. Preventing lung disease is much cheaper than treating it.”
