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A cough that has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks could be a warning sign(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nThere were over 5,000 cases of Tuberculosis reported in England in 2024A cough that has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks could be a warning sign(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Tuberculosis (TB) levels are on the rise, creating ‘a serious public health issue’ in England despite the risk from the disease remaining low for the general population. Levels in England increased by 13.6% in 2024 compared to the previous year, data published today<\/a> by the UK<\/a> Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows.<\/p>\n The data shows there were 5,490 notifications of the disease in 2024, compared to 4,831 in 2023.<\/p>\n However, TB<\/a> is preventable and curable, with 84.4% of patients completing treatment within 12 months.<\/p>\n Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: “TB is preventable and curable but, with rates increasing, it remains a serious public health issue.<\/p>\n “We must act fast to break transmission chains through rapid identification and treatment.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s important to remember that not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19<\/a>. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB.<\/p>\n “Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk \u2013 particularly if you have recently moved from a country where TB is more common.”<\/p>\n