Tuberculosis today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries.
The number of cases of TB in England has shown a steady decline since 2011, down by a third. However, England has one of the highest rates of TB in Western Europe, according to estimates from the World Health Organisation.
TB is curable with antibiotics and the sooner the illness is diagnosed and treated the better. It is a life-threatening illness if left untreated; about 1 in 20 patients with TB die each year in England.
What is TB?
TB is a curable and preventable infectious disease caused by bacteria that are spread through the air in small droplets when a person with infectious TB coughs, talks, sings, or sneezes.
When someone breathes in the bacteria they may become infected with TB and could develop active TB disease or latent TB.
What are the symptoms of active TB?
Symptoms are varied and can include:
- a cough for over 3 weeks
- high temperature or fever
- night sweats
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- extreme tiredness or lack of energy
- coughing up blood
Active TB disease usually affects the lungs and this is known as pulmonary TB. It can also develop in other organs in the body including the bones and joints, reproductive or urinary tract organs, and the brain. This is known as extra-pulmonary TB.
Who can catch TB?
Anyone can catch TB if exposed but certain groups are at higher risk:
- ethnic minority groups
- refugees and Asylum seekers
- migrants
- those with a history of or current homelessness
- those with a history of or current imprisonment
- those with a history of or current drug or alcohol misuse
- people who have reduced immunity
What should I do if I have symptoms of TB?
If you are worried you might have TB or that you have breathed in TB bacteria talk to a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you are treated the less likely you are to become seriously ill or to pass TB on to others.
If you do have TB, you will be given a course of antibiotic medication to cure the TB. A TB specialist nurse will support you throughout your treatment.