Tuberculosis in the UK

During the 19th century, almost one in four deaths was caused by TB. The death toll began to fall as living standards improved at the start of the 20th century, and from the 1940s, effective medicines were developed. Sadly, although these medicines were extremely successful, they failed to totally eradicate the disease.

In today's globalised society, increased travel and migration mean that TB cannot be kept in or out of any country's borders. Over 50% of cases of TB in the UK occur in people born overseas.

Since figures were at their lowest in 1987, cases of TB in the UK have steadily increased. There are now over 8,000 new cases of TB in the UK every year. In the London region, numbers have doubled in 15 years where 43% of all cases occur, and some areas have rates of TB as a high as those in parts of China. Most TB cases occur in young adults where 61% occur in ages between 15-44 years. There is a high incidence (>50%) in non-UK born people.

Alcoholics, HIV-positive individuals, some illegal immigrants and healthcare workers are at increased risk. The disease is most commonly found in places such as hostels for the homeless, prisons, and centres for immigrants arriving from areas with high rates of HIV infection or inadequate health provision.

The best way to control TB in the UK is to diagnose and treat the infection as early as possible thus preventing others from becoming infected. Awareness is the best tool to aid early diagnosis. It is also important to have improved surveillance, and first class diagnosis and management of TB cases.

Signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis include fatigue, slight fever, chills, night sweats, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, a cough that lasts three or more weeks producing discoloured or bloody sputum, and pain with coughing or breathing.