Classed as a “potentially serious” condition, tuberculosis (TB) describes a bacterial infection that spreads through inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. The infection mainly targets the lungs but it can affect any part of your body.
While the incidence fell again in 2020, 2021 didn’t follow the same trend.
Last year saw the cases of TB infection rise by 7.4 percent, compared to the year before.
Now, people are being “urged not to dismiss their persistent cough and fever as COVID-19 as it could be caused by a range of other issues, including TB”, the UKHSA explains.
This warning goes “particularly” to those who are considered to be at high risk.
READ RELATED: Darren Criss Wrote a Touching Letter About His Brother's Recent Suicide
DON’T MISS
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Despite significant progress made in the last decade towards eliminating tuberculosis in England, it is very concerning to see an upward trend in cases.
“TB is a serious infectious disease, and without treatment it can be life-threatening.
“TB disproportionately affects people in deprived and underserved groups, so it is vital everyone has access to effective treatment so we can continue to level up health across the nation.
“If you have a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks along with a fever, please contact your GP as soon as possible to get tested.”
Source: Daily Express
