The word ‘tuberculosis’ typically conjures up Dickens-esque images of sickly Victorian children and melodramatic nineteenth-century poets. It was one of the most common and most deadly ailments of the time, but TB (aka the ‘white plague’) has stuck around since then. And right now it’s on the rise in the UK.
Authorities have warned that the UK needs ‘collective action’ in order to tackle the spread of the disease. The biggest resurgence in cases has been in London, while the West Midlands and the North West have also seen increases.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHA) revealed that there were 471 TB cases reported in London between April and June 2023, which is the highest quarterly figure since 2017. Apparently it was an 11 percent rise compared to the previous year.
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.’ Here’s everything you need to know about the recent TB outbreak in the UK.
What is tuberculosis?
The infectious disease is often associated with Victorian times as it was one of the most common ailments of that era. It’s caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and tends to affect the lungs, although it can also spread to other parts of your body, like your tummy, glands, bones or brain.
What are the symptoms of TB?
The NHS website says that symptoms of tuberculosis can appear gradually. If you’re worried that you’ve picked up the disease, you should look out for signs including:
- A cough that lasts more than three weeks
- Coughing up mucus or mucus with blood
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- High temperature or night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If the disease has spread to another part of your body, look out for swollen glands, dark or cloudy pee, a headache, constipation or a rash.
Is tuberculosis contagious?
TB in the lungs or throat can be infectious, but in other parts of the body it’s less so. It can transmit between people through air droplets by sneezing, coughing or talking.
How do you treat TB?
First of all, go and see a GP straight away if you think you’re at risk or have noticed any TB symptoms. It’s usually treated with antibiotics but can be fatal if you leave it untreated for too long.
If you’re suffering with a persistent cough right now, it may not be TB but whooping cough. You can read all about those symptoms and what to do about them here.
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