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TB incidence in the UK has reached a 30-year high
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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The incidence of tuberculosis among UK residents has reached its highest level in the last 30 years, Physorg reports. These data were obtained during a study conducted by a group of specialists led by Alimuddin Zumla from University College London. According to the study, 9,040 cases of tuberculosis were registered in the UK in 2009. This is the highest annual incidence rate recorded in the country for 30 years. The UK turned out to be the only Western European country where the incidence of tuberculosis is growing. Scientists also found that the number of cases of drug-resistant infection in London has doubled over the last decade. In total, about 40 percent of all registered tuberculosis patients in the country live in the capital of Great Britain. The authors of the study noted that a significant portion of new cases of infection are recorded among migrants. However, these cases are not imported. In particular, 85 percent of sick migrants have lived in the country for at least two years, about 50 percent - for at least five years. According to Alimuddin Zumla, the main factors contributing to the spread of tuberculosis in London and its surrounding areas are overcrowding, poor housing conditions and inadequate ventilation.