The highly infectious Victorian-era disease was responsible for killing famous people such as Emily Brontë and George Orwell.
The Victorian-era disease is cropping up in the UK (Image: Getty)
Cases of a Victorian-era disease commonly mentioned in history books are increasing in parts of the UK. The disease famously killed authors like Emily Brontë and George Orwell, and is considered by many as a thing of the past. However, cases of tuberculosis, or TB, are still reported in the UK, and are rising in some regions. The north east of England has seen the highest increase in cases, followed by the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the north west.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of tuberculosis have increased in the last few years. In 2025, there were 5,424 reported cases of TB in the UK, up 25% from the number of cases reported in 2022. However, the year with the most cases reported was 2024, when there were a total of 5,480. The debilitating bacterial disease mainly attacks the lungs, leading to uncontrollable coughing up of blood and weight loss. An expert has expressed concern for the north east of England amid the increase in reported cases.
A Victorian-era disease is more common in poorer parts of the UK (Image: Getty)
Dr Suzie Hingley-Wilson, senior lecturer in bacteriology at the University of Surrey, told The Sun: “This is a concerning increase in TB cases in the North East. These figures also show that in this area there is an increased length of time between people showing the symptoms of TB, such as coughing up blood, losing weight and night sweats, and getting treatment.
“During this time, people will be spreading TB, which could in part account for these higher numbers. We need to make sure symptomatic people seek treatment and to ensure that they have access to rapid diagnosis.”
Additionally, a worrying 65 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis were reported in the UK last year. TB is most common in large urban areas. The rapid urbanisation, which led to overcrowding and poor sanitation for city dwellers, caused the massive TB outbreak of the 1800s.
To combat the recent rise in cases, a specialist board has been established.
Tuberculosis can cause people to cough up blood (Image: Getty)
Growing poverty rates have been blamed for the increase in TB cases in the country. According to the UKHSA, the following symptoms could be a sign of tuberculosis:
- persistent cough (lasting more than three weeks)
- coughing up blood or sputum
- a high temperature and/or night sweats
- unexplained weight loss
- feeling tired or exhausted
It can become serious if not addressed. It is normally treated with specific antibiotics. Although the above symptoms might indicate TB, other signs can show up if the disease has spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones, glands or brain.
These more serious symptoms include:
- swollen glands
- body aches and pains
- swollen joints or ankles
- tummy or pelvic pain
- constipation
- dark or cloudy pee
- a headache
- being sick
- feeling confused
- a stiff neck
- a rash on the legs, face or other part of the body
Data from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) suggests that around 14.2million people are in poverty in the UK. This makes them more at risk of diseases such as TB.
“Scratch below the surface, there are signs of change: a definitive deepening of poverty,” the charity warns. Meanwhile, Dr Suzie explained: “There is a well-established link between poverty and TB,” Dr Suzie said.
“And poverty levels are sadly higher than the national average in the North East. TB spread is enhanced in overcrowded, less ventilated housing.
“Also, lower-income families often have no choice but to have poorer nutrition, which can weaken the immune system and hence, the ability to fight this terrible disease.”
