Tuberculosis is on the rise in the UK – what is it and is it serious?
A new blood test that could identify millions of people who unknowingly spread tuberculosis could be developed soon, scientists have said.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered a group of biological markers that are high among infectious patients – and the test could be a significant step in reducing the spread of the disease.
More than a million people a year die from tuberculosis (TB), making it the the world’s deadliest infectious disease, according to the World Health Organisation.
Thankfully, in the UK figures remain low. However, TB cases in the UK increased to around 5,000 in 2023, according to the UK Health Security Agency, and are expecting to continue to rise this year.
So, how do you catch TB, and what else do you need to know about the infectious disease?
What is TB?
Emma Rubach, head of health advice at the charity Asthma + Lung UK, says tuberculosis or TB is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs.
“Anyone can get tuberculosis, however, the people most at risk are those who have lived outside of the UK where TB rates are high. Countries where tuberculosis is more common include Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
“Only 5-10% of people who breathe in TB bacteria develop symptoms and they can become ill in weeks, months, or even years after exposure,” Rubach adds.
