This coming Sunday 24th March is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day - a commemorative day, coordinated by the World Health Organisation, to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. 

Far from being a Victorian disease, it still exits today (see Laura’s story:  https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/tb-stories/laura/)

Figures published earlier this month by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate that cases of TB in England rose by almost 11 percent in 2023.  They remain highest in areas of deprivation and in certain groups living in large urban areas, including vulnerable migrants and people who experience homelessness, contact with the criminal justice system, mental health needs, and/or drug and alcohol misuse.  You can read more on the Government's website.

TB is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious. Symptoms include:

• a cough that lasts more than three weeks
• high temperature
• drenching night sweats
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

It can be treated with a prolonged course of antibiotics but can be serious, particularly if not treated.   

To mark World TB Day and bring it to the attention of the public and professionals, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is taking part in the social media campaign promoted by the UK Health Security Agency.    Please look out for it, together with other local promotions throughout Kirklees.

Further information regarding the Yorkshire & Humber Latent TB Screening Programme can be obtained from: Helen Sykes, Y&H LTBI Project Officer  helen.sykes3@nhs.net