00:02Cases of tuberculosis have been on the increase according to the latest data from the UK HSA.
00:08Here is everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms and what to do if you suspect you may have TB.
00:16The latest figures show that rates of TB in 2024 increased by 13.6% with 5,490 cases compared to 4,831 in 2023.
00:30TB is an infection that largely affects the lungs.
00:34According to the NHS, symptoms can include a continuous mucus cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks, fatigue, height, temperature, appetite and weight loss and generally feeling unwell.
00:4882% of the cases of TB in 2024 were people born outside of the UK.
00:54However, there has been an increase in cases in those born in the UK and also outside of the UK.
01:01The region that reported the highest number of cases was London with a rate of 20.6 per 100,000.
01:08This is followed up by the West Midlands with a rate of 11.5 per 100,000.
01:14More worryingly, cases of drug-resistant TB have reached the highest levels since surveillance began in 2012.
01:24TB is a serious public health issue but it is preventable and curable.
01:30Speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk of TB or if you have symptoms.
01:35You can find out more about TB, the signs, the symptoms and who could be eligible for the TB vaccine at nhs.uk.
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