00:00Liverpool has recorded 45 confirmed cases of tuberculosis between 2022 and 2024, according
00:07to the latest UK Health Security Agency data. That represents a rate of 9 cases per 100,000
00:14people, just below the World Health Organization's threshold of 10 cases per 100,000 for low
00:20instance status.
00:22TB, historically known as consumption, was a major killer in Victorian Britain. Authors
00:27including Charles Dickens reference the disease in their novels. Today it remains preventable
00:32and curable, but infection rates in England are rising. Most cases in England involve people
00:37born outside the UK, accounting for 82% of notifications, though there has also been an increase among
00:43UK-born populations. In the UK-born population, TB is associated with deprivation, homelessness
00:50and substance use. Large urban areas, including Liverpool, are more affected.
00:56Things include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fever, chills, fatigue,
01:01night sweats, unexplained weight loss and coughing up blood. TB can spread to the lungs, glands,
01:08bones or brain, but with timely diagnosis and treatment it is curable.
01:14Public health officials continue to monitor trends and emphasise awareness, early testing
01:19and access to medical care as critical to controlling infection rates. Dr Esther Robinson from UKHSA
01:25advises anyone with a cough over three weeks to consult their GP.
01:28Dr Esther Robinson from UKHSA widow
01:34J suffer in England
01:37Julio Aadar
01:50J and She
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