The North East of England recorded the steepest regional increase in tuberculosis notifications during 2025, with health officials reporting 42 additional cases representing a 34.1% rise compared to the previous year.
The surge contrasts sharply with trends elsewhere in the country, according to provisional data released by the UK Health Security Agency. The West Midlands experienced the largest decline, with 74 fewer notifications marking a 10.4% decrease, whilst five of England’s nine UKHSA regions maintained stable case numbers.
Across England, tuberculosis notifications remained broadly steady throughout 2025, with 5,424 people reported compared to 5,487 in 2024. This represents a marginal 1.1% reduction and a notification rate of 9.4 per 100,000 population.
The current rate sits above pre-pandemic levels of 8.36 per 100,000 recorded in 2019, though it remains significantly below the peak of 15.6 per 100,000 reached in 2011.
Health officials emphasised the continued link between tuberculosis and socioeconomic factors. The infection remains more prevalent in large urban areas and populations experiencing deprivation. Among UK-born individuals, those facing homelessness, substance dependency or involvement with the criminal justice system show higher rates of infection.
People born outside the UK accounted for 81.6% of all tuberculosis notifications in 2025, consistent with previous years. Both UK-born and non-UK-born populations recorded slight decreases in case numbers.
Dr Esther Robinson, who leads the TB Unit at UKHSA, urged residents who have relocated from countries with higher tuberculosis prevalence to familiarise themselves with symptoms. The infection can be prevented and cured through prompt testing and treatment accessed via GP surgeries.
Persistent coughs lasting beyond three weeks should not automatically be attributed to influenza or COVID-19, health officials warned. Additional symptoms requiring medical attention include high temperature, night sweats, appetite loss and weight reduction. The bacterial infection primarily affects the lungs when infectious, though it can also manifest in other body parts causing swollen glands and joints.
The disease spreads through prolonged close contact with individuals experiencing active tuberculosis. Coughing releases droplets containing the bacteria, which can infect others who regularly breathe them in over extended periods. Treatment requires a lengthy course of antibiotics.
Current visa requirements mandate tuberculosis testing for anyone planning stays exceeding six months in the UK from certain countries where the disease is common. A separate testing and treatment programme operates in higher-incidence areas to identify latent tuberculosis infection among recent arrivals from affected countries. The bacterium can remain dormant for many years before activation.
Development of a new TB National Action Plan covering 2026 to 2031 is currently underway, drawing on evidence gathered from experts and stakeholders. The strategy will prioritise improving prevention, detection and control measures whilst addressing health inequalities through targeted interventions.
