Monday 24 March is World TB day, and with Tuberculosis (TB) cases increasing nationally, it is important to raise awareness around the signs and symptoms of the infectious disease.
The important thing to remember is that TB is both treatable and curable if picked up and treated quickly.
Worldwide, TB is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. 10 million people a year fall ill with TB, sadly resulting in 1.4 million deaths worldwide.
Although the UK remains a low incidence country, we are seeing an increase in TB cases, and this pattern is reflected locally in Devon.
What is (TB)?
TB is an infection caused by bacteria. Although it mainly affects the lungs it can actually affect any part of the body. This includes our bones or our brain resulting in meningitis.
How does TB spread?
When a person has TB in their lungs or throat, and they cough or sneeze, it can spread to those around them. It does take more sustained contact with people than viruses such as Covid-19 or Flu.
What are the symptoms of TB?
These can include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, high temperature or drenching night sweats, loss of appetite unexplained weight loss and feeling tired or exhausted. However people may experience some but not all of these symptoms with TB.
How do you treat TB?
TB is treatable – when diagnosed early and treated promptly and in full. The person with TB needs a prolonged course of specific antibiotics. However, if someone isn’t treated it can become more serious. It is important to have timely and accurate detection followed by recommended treatment– completed in full to improve recovery and reduce onward spread.
Who can get TB?
Anyone. We have seen an increase in cases in the UK for both UK born and non-UK born populations with 80% of cases notified to UK Health Security Agency being born outside of the UK. For those born in the UK, TB is more common among those who have a weakened immune system, experience homelessness, drug and alcohol dependence and have had contact with the criminal justice system.
What can I do?
Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. With TB cases rising, it is important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of TB, and speak to their GP early if experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they may be at higher risk of TB infection. Treatment for TB is available for free to everyone living in the UK.