11 March 2024 , 10:58
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Cases of the Victorian disease tuberculosis (TB) rose by more than 10 per cent last year, new statistics show.
Some 4,850 were recorded in 2023, up by 10.7 per cent on 2022's figure of 4,380. Health authorities are now looking at what may have caused the increase and working on ways to prevent the spread of TB. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, designed to help protect against the infection, is no longer part of the routine childhood schedule and is instead only offered to those who are at higher risk.
But the annual report, published last month, has caused concern. Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "We need collective action to tackle TB and we are working with partners across the health system to understand how we can best refocus efforts to stamp out this preventable and treatable infection.
"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. Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk."
TB is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious. UKHSA is investigating reasons for the rise in cases in the past year as the increases in previous years haven't been as sharp as this, the agency conceded.
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Medics have stressed symptoms can be similar to those of coronavirus, which too was a rise at the end of last year. But with TB, it is likely drenching night sweats will occur.
Full list of common symptoms
A cough that lasts more than three weeks
High temperature
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
TB can be serious if left untreated but GPs can prescribe a course of antibiotics. Due largely to research and more public awareness, infection rates had been falling since 2011 but progress has stalled, UKHSA said. It added anyone experiencing the aforementioned signs must see their doctor immediately.