Health authorities have raised concerns over the resurgence of a Victorian disease, as new data suggests a significant increase in suspected cases in England and Wales. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 919 suspected cases of tuberculosis (TB) in England during the first three months of 2024, compared to 878 cases during the same period in 2023. Additionally, Wales has seen an increase from 12 to 14 suspected cases during the first 10 weeks of this year.
These notifications are sent by general practitioners to prompt local investigations and disease control measures. Tuberculosis, a highly infectious disease, continues to be a significant global health concern and is responsible for a substantial number of deaths worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022, making it the second-leading killer after COVID-19. In England and Wales, there were 182 tuberculosis-related deaths in 2022, up from 168 in 2021.
This resurgence has raised alarms among health officials, with concerns about the potential spread of the Victorian disease. Efforts to eliminate tuberculosis have reportedly stalled, prompting a renewed focus on disease control and prevention strategies.
The increase in suspected cases underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the resurgence of this deadly infectious disease.
