UK Tuberculosis (TB) infection rates are on the rise, according to a warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Statistics show that in 2024, cases of TB in England rose year on year by 13 percent, to 5,480 reported cases. In 2023, 4,850 cases were reported. This was a very significant increase for TB Infections.
The agency has alleged that this pattern of infection has been influenced by numerous factors such as social mixing, migration, vaccine hesitancy following the Covid-19 pandemic and international travel.
The increase of cases were most common in urban areas, among these, London. There was also an increase of cases reported in the South West and North East areas.
A map has been drafted by Express.co.uk showing where high-risk TB areas are in and around England, just to ensure the public shows vigilance and practices the necessary precautions.
TB is an infection which affects the lungs and which can become quite serious if not diagnosed and treated. Symptoms include a persistent cough which lasts for more than three weeks, chills, night sweats, appetite loss, unexplained weight loss, chest pain and fever.
World TB Day was recently observed (24 March), and is part of an ongoing initiative to highlight the urgency to treat and overcome what the World Health Organisation (WHO) calls “the world’s deadliest infectious disease”.
TB devastates millions globally and does not just cause health consequences, but also has social and economic ramifications. The WHO has called for boldness, urgency and accountability in the fight against TB.
To prevent the spread of TB you can wash your hands often, and cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Ensure good ventilation in rooms and avoid close contact with people who have been diagnosed with TB.
Dr. Patrick Lillie, an infectious disease consultant, noted a rise in TB cases in London and the West Midlands, with increasing risks across England. According to the NHS, TB cases in England rose by 13% last year, disproportionately affecting homeless individuals and those with drug or alcohol addictions. TB primarily targets the lungs and spreads through coughing or sneezing.
Rest of the World
| Rank | Country | Estimated Incident Cases (2023) | Notes |
| 1 | India | 2.8 million | India consistently has the highest number of TB cases globally, accounting for a significant proportion of the world’s total burden. |
| 2 | Indonesia | 1.1 million | Indonesia has a substantial TB epidemic and is a major contributor to the global case numbers. |
| 3 | China | 748,000 | While China has made progress in reducing its TB burden, it still ranks among the countries with the highest number of cases. |
| 4 | Philippines | 737,000 | The Philippines faces a significant TB challenge, with a high incidence rate and a large number of people affected. |
| 5 | Pakistan | 608,000 | Pakistan has a considerable TB burden and is one of the high-priority countries for TB control efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. |
| 6 | Nigeria | 497,000 | Nigeria has the highest TB burden in Africa and is facing a complex epidemic, including challenges related to HIV-associated TB. |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 371,000 | Bangladesh has a high TB incidence and a large population, contributing to a significant number of cases. |
| 8 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 335,000 | The DRC faces numerous health challenges, and TB remains a significant public health problem with a high number of cases. |
The current state of tuberculosis (TB) infections in the U.S. also shows a concerning upward trend. Provisional 2024 data reported 10,347 cases, marking an 8% increase from 2023. This is the highest number since 2011 . This come back of the disease follows decades of decline and is attributed to many factors. The post-pandemic travel and migration, disruptions in public health programs during COVID-19, and localized outbreaks. One such outbreak in Kansas saw a 150% spike in cases in 2024 .
While the U.S. maintains one of the lowest TB rates globally, the disease disproportionately affects non-U.S.–born individuals, who account for 76% of cases. Populations with compromised immune systems, such as those in crowded or under-resourced settings (e.g. homeless shelters, prisons) . States like California, Texas, New York, and Florida report the highest case volumes. They collectively represent over half of all U.S. TB diagnoses .
Despite being preventable and treatable, TB’s slow progression and multidrug-resistant strains like MDR-TB pose ongoing challenges, made worse by gaps in public health infrastructure and funding cuts to global TB programs. Those indirectly elevate domestic risks. But the problem faced by countries such as India, Indonesia and China is far more severe, which makes the problems in the UK and the US pale in significance. One thing is clear, if we do not act, we could be fearing worse outcomes.