Health officials in England have raised concerns over a spike in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with infection rates increasing from 8.5 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 9.5 per 100,000 in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The warning comes as the U.S. state of Kansas experiences its largest TB outbreak on record, with Kansas City reporting at least 67 active infections and 79 latent cases since 2024. At least two deaths have been confirmed. According to Jill Bronaugh, communications director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), this is the largest outbreak in the U.S. within a one-year span since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began tracking TB cases in the 1950s.
Despite the increase in cases, the UKHSA maintains that England remains a “low-incidence country” for TB. However, infections have risen by 13% compared to the previous year, continuing an upward trend seen in recent years.
Dr. Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, emphasized that TB is both preventable and curable. She urged individuals who have recently moved to England from high-risk countries to be aware of TB symptoms, which include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fever, and mucus production.
“Not every persistent cough and fever is due to flu or COVID-19. If you have a prolonged cough with mucus, please consult your GP to rule out TB,” Dr. Robinson advised.
Health authorities are encouraging early detection and treatment to prevent further spread of the disease.
