Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in the UK. Nationally, whilst TB cases have fluctuated over the years, recent data shows a concerning rise. Between 2023 and 2024, TB surpassed Covid-19 as the leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide.

Given today is World TB Day, our TB teams are urging clinical colleagues to consider the disease in their differential diagnoses. TB kills, so early detection is crucial, and timely treatment saves lives.

Respiratory Consultant, Dr Anneka Biswas, said: "There has been a significant increase in TB in the last few months, particularly in Huddersfield. We've already diagnosed 15 patients in three months when we'd usually expect 15 to 20 per year. If not picked up early, TB can cause complications and even death so everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms and seek help if concerned. It's not a disease of the past, it's very much present."

Any patient who presents with a cough, night sweats, swellings and weight loss with an abnormal chest X-ray (particularly in the upper lobes), please consider TB and send sputum samples for acid fast bacilli. If unsure, the TB teams are available to support in any cases where TB is suspected, contact them on the numbers below:

Huddersfield

• Dr. Anneka Biswas – Consultant
• Deborah Howgate – TB Nurse Specialist - 07763 568 117
• Chantelle Lashington – Locala TB Nurse - 07763 565 700

Halifax

• Dr. Nick Scriven – Consultant
• Mary Hardcastle – TB Specialist Nurse - 07824 343 770
• Manjinder Kaur – TB Specialist Nurse - 07826 520 642

There will be an information stand in the main entrance at Acre Mills this week for anyone interested in learning more about TB.