The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that the UK could lose its low-incidence status for tuberculosis if rates continue to rise. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. There's a vaccine that helps protect some people who are at risk from TB, according to the NHS.

Express.co.uk has created a map which shows TB rates around England. The map shows 60 council areas that are already above the WHO threshold for low-incidence status. UKHSA’s most recent data on TB revealed a rise in reported numbers in England by 13% in 2024 (5,480) compared to 2023 (4,850).

This signals a rebound above the pre-COVID-19 numbers, despite significant progress towards a decline in TB over the last few decades.

Symptoms of TB usually come on gradually and can include:

• a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks - you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it

• feeling tired or exhausted

• a high temperature or night sweats

• loss of appetite

• weight loss

• feeling generally unwell

• Children may also have difficulty gaining weight or growing

If TB has spread to another part of your body such as your glands (lymph nodes), bones or brain, you may also have other symptoms, including swollen glands, body aches and pains or swollen joints or ankles.

Alongside this, you could also have tummy or pelvic pain, constipation, dark or cloudy pee, a headache, sickness or you may experience confusion.

TB may also result in symptoms of a stiff neck, a rash on the legs, face or other part of the body.

Sometimes you can have TB in your body but have no symptoms which is called latent TB.