A study has revealed that one person dies each week in England due to undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB). This finding underscores significant diagnostic delays in the healthcare system, particularly among older British-born men, according to research published in the journal Thorax. The study highlights that TB rates in England have reached a 10-year high, with 9.4 cases per 100,000 people reported in 2024, nearing the World Health Organization's threshold for low incidence countries of 10 cases per 100,000.
Diagnostic Delays
Researchers noted that the majority of TB cases are diagnosed in individuals born outside the UK, with an average age of 36. However, those diagnosed postmortem tend to be older and British-born. Dr. Eleanor Morgan, a co-author of the study, emphasized the need for healthcare providers to consider TB in patients who may not fit the typical risk profiles.
As TB rates continue to rise, we need to keep asking: ‘Could this be TB?’
she stated.
Rising Concerns
The study also identified specific demographics at higher risk of postmortem TB diagnoses, including individuals living outside London and those with a history of drug or alcohol misuse. Children under four years old were also found to be at increased risk, likely due to underdeveloped immune systems and challenges in obtaining samples for testing. TB remains the leading infectious disease killer globally, with 1.23 million deaths reported in 2024, despite being preventable and treatable with antibiotics.
Related coverage: Tracker Funds Outperform Active Managers in Recent Study.
Sources: theguardian.com, theguardian.com.
Limited direct market relevance; the development matters more for public health policy than for traded assets. Watch for further studies on TB trends in England and any potential policy responses from health authorities.