Near 13% increase in TB cases in the UK by 2024

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an upward trend in the notification rate of tuberculosis in England in 2024, with an increase from 8.5 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 9.5 per 100,000. In a statement, the UKHSA highlighted that 81.5% of all TB notifications in 2024 were in individuals born outside the UK, though there was an increase observed in both the UK and non-UK populations. Esther Robinson, head of the agency’s TB unit, emphasised the gravity of the infection as a significant public health concern in England. She highlighted that the symptoms of TB can include a cough persisting for more than three weeks, high fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In the event of experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with one’s General Practitioner (GP), as asserted by Robinson. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a substantial increase in the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) over recent years. In 2023, 10.8 million individuals were diagnosed with TB, representing a 7% increase compared to the 2020 figures.