Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

UK Faces ‘Serious’ TB Outbreak, Health Chief Issues Warning- Here Are Symptoms To Watch For

The United Kingdom is witnessing a worrying resurgence of tuberculosis, or TB, with a 13% increase in cases compared to last year, prompting health officials to issue urgent warnings. The UK Health Security Agency has recently released the latest data on TB cases in England, which have risen to 5,480 in 2024, from 4,850 in 2023. Though the disease is still less common than its peak in 2011, when it reached 15.6 per 100,000 people, experts warn that TB is far from being eradicated and continues to pose a significant public health challenge.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically found in the lungs, though it may occur elsewhere in the body. This occurs through the droplets suspended in the air, usually produced by an infected person who coughs or sneezes. In contrast to the flu and COVID-19, TB may not present with any symptoms and could go un-diagnosed for months; thus, its detection and treatment early are necessary.

The NHS notes that TB is preventable and curable. If left untreated, it can be fatal and it can cause serious complications such as lung damage, meningitis, and bone infections. Dr Esther Robinson Head of TB unit at UKHSA Said to the general public, "TB is a real public health threat in England and remains preventable and curable. Should you have emigrated to the England from elsewhere more commonly, there is always reason to look after your well being by remembering a few features regarding TB in you so as get tested by testing and hence prompt treatment with assistance from GP practices.

Not every persistent cough, with a fever, has flu or COVID-19. A cough that typically produces mucus and lasts more than 3 weeks can be caused by other factors such as TB. Do speak to your GP if you think you may be at risk."

<h2>Why Are the Cases of TB on the Rise in the UK?</h2>

Public health officers explain the rising incidence of TB due to a range of causes including international migration, socioeconomic differences and urban population. According to the UKHSA, 81.5% of all the cases reported in 2024 were those people who were born outside the UK, hence clearly indicating the TB transmission at global levels.

TB is most common among weak groups, including the homeless, substance abusers, or people serving imprisonment time. The highest rise in cases has been seen in major cities like London and the West Midlands, which further shows the direct relation between TB occurrence and social deprivation.

<span>TB symptoms</span> often resemble other respiratory infections, hence, delayed diagnoses and further spread. If you or someone in your life presents with the following symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible:

- Coughing persistently for over three weeks with sputum or blood

- Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck

In cases where the TB spreads outside the lungs, or extrapulmonary TB, symptoms can be body aches, swollen joints, abdominal pain, confusion, or even a rash. This makes early detection and proper screening all the more critical.

Diagnosing TB would usually start through a chest X-ray combined with sputum tests and blood tests. People with higher risks, such as TB-endemic country residents, should undergo screening even if symptomless.

TB treatment is long-term, involving at least six months of antibiotics for most patients. If the treatment is not completed, antibiotic-resistant TB strains may arise that will make future infections easier to contract.

<h2>What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread</h2>

TB is not easily spread like flu or COVID-19, but prolonged exposure will still lead to infection. Even so, some measures are to be taken:

<ul><li>High-risk countries citizens should regularly test for TB</li><li>BCG vaccination protects from TB, especially in children.</li><li>Mouth coverage during coughing and sneezing reduces TB bacterium transmission.</li><li>If diagnosed, completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent any drug-resistant TB strains.</li><li></li></ul>

<h2>TB Is Not Alone, Are All Victorian Diseases Making A Comback?</h2>

While TB is getting all the headlines, it is not the only so-called "Victorian disease" making a comeback in England. Health experts sound the alarm that diseases once thought to be relics of the past, such as scarlet fever, typhoid, cholera, whooping cough and rickets, are making a comeback.

<strong>Scarlet Fever:</strong> A highly contagious bacterial illness affecting children, treatable with antibiotics.

<strong>Typhoid:</strong> A waterborne disease linked to poor sanitation, still prevalent in some parts of the world.

<strong>Cholera:</strong> A diarrheal illness that can cause severe dehydration and death if untreated.

<strong>Whooping Cough</strong>: A respiratory infection particularly dangerous for infants, now controlled through vaccination.

<strong>Rickets:</strong> A condition caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones, historically common in impoverished communities.

The increase in TB cases in the UK is a grim reminder that infectious diseases are still a persistent threat, especially to vulnerable communities. Health experts are calling on policymakers to strengthen public health initiatives, improve screening measures, and ensure timely treatment to curb the spread of TB.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

health news

tb outbreak

tuberculosis cases uk

victorian disease tb

tb symptoms

ukhsa tb report

tb prevention

lung infection

Can Robert F Kennedy Jr Make American Diet Healthy Again?

FDA Approves A New Type Of Non-Addictive Painkiller For Acute Pain

Health News

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

10 Superfood To Help You Build Immunity

10 Cardio Exercises To Lose Belly Fat

The United Kingdom is witnessing a worrying resurgence of tuberculosis, or TB, with a 13% increase in cases compared to last year, prompting health officials to issue urgent warnings. The UK Health Security Agency has recently released the latest data on TB cases in England, which have risen to 5,480 in 2024, from 4,850 in 2023. Though the disease is still less common than its peak in 2011, when it reached 15.6 per 100,000 people, experts warn that TB is far from being eradicated and continues to pose a significant public health challenge.Tuberculosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically found in the lungs, though it may occur elsewhere in the body. This occurs through the droplets suspended in the air, usually produced by an infected person who coughs or sneezes. In contrast to the flu and COVID-19, TB may not present with any symptoms and could go un-diagnosed for months; thus, its detection and treatment early are necessary.The NHS notes that TB is preventable and curable. If left untreated, it can be fatal and it can cause serious complications such as lung damage, meningitis, and bone infections. Dr Esther Robinson Head of TB unit at UKHSA Said to the general public, "TB is a real public health threat in England and remains preventable and curable. Should you have emigrated to the England from elsewhere more commonly, there is always reason to look after your well being by remembering a few features regarding TB in you so as get tested by testing and hence prompt treatment with assistance from GP practices.Not every persistent cough, with a fever, has flu or COVID-19. A cough that typically produces mucus and lasts more than 3 weeks can be caused by other factors such as TB. Do speak to your GP if you think you may be at risk."Why Are the Cases of TB on the Rise in the UK?Public health officers explain the rising incidence of TB due to a range of causes including international migration, socioeconomic differences and urban population. According to the UKHSA, 81.5% of all the cases reported in 2024 were those people who were born outside the UK, hence clearly indicating the TB transmission at global levels.TB is most common among weak groups, including the homeless, substance abusers, or people serving imprisonment time. The highest rise in cases has been seen in major cities like London and the West Midlands, which further shows the direct relation between TB occurrence and social deprivation.Symptoms of TBTB symptoms often resemble other respiratory infections, hence, delayed diagnoses and further spread. If you or someone in your life presents with the following symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible:- Coughing persistently for over three weeks with sputum or blood- Unintended weight loss- Night sweats- Fever and chills- Fatigue and persistent exhaustion- Poor appetite- Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neckIn cases where the TB spreads outside the lungs, or extrapulmonary TB, symptoms can be body aches, swollen joints, abdominal pain, confusion, or even a rash. This makes early detection and proper screening all the more critical.How TB Is Diagnosed and TreatedDiagnosing TB would usually start through a chest X-ray combined with sputum tests and blood tests. People with higher risks, such as TB-endemic country residents, should undergo screening even if symptomless.TB treatment is long-term, involving at least six months of antibiotics for most patients. If the treatment is not completed, antibiotic-resistant TB strains may arise that will make future infections easier to contract.What You Can Do to Prevent the SpreadTB is not easily spread like flu or COVID-19, but prolonged exposure will still lead to infection. Even so, some measures are to be taken:High-risk countries citizens should regularly test for TBBCG vaccination protects from TB, especially in children.Mouth coverage during coughing and sneezing reduces TB bacterium transmission.If diagnosed, completing the full course of antibiotics is important to prevent any drug-resistant TB strains.TB Is Not Alone, Are All Victorian Diseases Making A Comback?While TB is getting all the headlines, it is not the only so-called "Victorian disease" making a comeback in England. Health experts sound the alarm that diseases once thought to be relics of the past, such as scarlet fever, typhoid, cholera, whooping cough and rickets, are making a comeback.Scarlet Fever: A highly contagious bacterial illness affecting children, treatable with antibiotics.Typhoid: A waterborne disease linked to poor sanitation, still prevalent in some parts of the world.Cholera: A diarrheal illness that can cause severe dehydration and death if untreated.Whooping Cough: A respiratory infection particularly dangerous for infants, now controlled through vaccination.Rickets: A condition caused by vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones, historically common in impoverished communities.The increase in TB cases in the UK is a grim reminder that infectious diseases are still a persistent threat, especially to vulnerable communities. Health experts are calling on policymakers to strengthen public health initiatives, improve screening measures, and ensure timely treatment to curb the spread of TB.