Tuberculosis (TB) cases have increased by 13% in England last year, with rising rates among both immigrants and people born in the UK. The disease, often thought of as a relic of the past, remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, claiming an estimated 1.25 million lives globally in 2023.
A recent case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment. Anja Madhvani, who contracted TB while running an ultramarathon in Morocco, spent 11 days in hospital isolation and nearly a year on medication to recover from the disease. Her experience underscores the need for improved screening and awareness among high-risk communities.
TB primarily affects countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific, with social deprivation being a significant contributing factor. Wealthy countries like the UK are now seeing a resurgence of TB cases, which experts say is linked to underlying health issues related to poverty.
The rise in TB cases in England is attributed to disruptions in medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a backlog of undetected infections. People with certain risk factors, such as homelessness or drug misuse, are more likely to develop TB.
Experts emphasize the need for improved screening and testing, particularly among new immigrants. Dr. Paul Sommerfield of TB Alert highlights the importance of awareness-raising efforts in high-risk communities, particularly around symptoms and accessing medical care.
The UK Health Security Agency has launched an updated 5-year action plan to combat TB, aiming to curb delays in diagnosis, increase treatment completion rates, and enhance testing for the disease. However, concerns remain about funding and awareness-raising initiatives.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/20/why-is-tuberculosis-the-worlds-deadliest-infectious-disease-on-the-rise-in-the-uk