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    The Victorian disease that’s ‘a serious public health issue’ and on the rise across England

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    By Charlotte Fisher

    Copyright manchestereveningnews

    The Victorian disease that's 'a serious public health issue' and on the rise across England

    Tuberculosis (TB) levels are on the rise, creating ‘a serious public health issue’ in England despite the risk from the disease remaining low for the general population. Levels in England increased by 13.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows. The data shows there were 5,490 notifications of the disease in 2024, compared to 4,831 in 2023. However, TB is preventable and curable, with 84.4% of patients completing treatment within 12 months. Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: “TB is preventable and curable but, with rates increasing, it remains a serious public health issue. “We must act fast to break transmission chains through rapid identification and treatment. “It’s important to remember that 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 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. “Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk – particularly if you have recently moved from a country where TB is more common.” Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Government guidance states a cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB, and advises that you should speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk. England now has a rate of 9.4 notifications per 100,000 population, which remains below this century’s peak of 15.6 notifications per 100,000 population in 2011. The increase reflects global patterns, with many countries experiencing increasing TB rates in recent years. For those born in the UK, TB is more common among those who experience homelessness, drug and alcohol dependence and have had contact with the criminal justice system. Infections of TB are more common in large urban areas – with London recording the highest regional rate at 20.6 per 100,000, followed by the West Midlands at 11.5 per 100,000. Although numbers remain relatively low, drug-resistant TB also reached the highest levels since enhanced surveillance began in 2012, according to the Government. Today UKHSA also published evidence from experts and stakeholders to inform the development of the new TB National Action Plan (2026 to 2031) .