A resurgence of a disease that wrought havoc in the 19th century is alarming health officials in Wales once again. According to Wales Online, Public Health Wales (PHW) reports a worrying spike in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the region. The latest figures reveal a 14.5% increase in TB cases in Wales last year compared to the data from the previous year. This rise is particularly concerning as TB is considered by the World Health Organisation as the “world’s deadliest infectious disease,” claiming 1.25 million lives in 2023.
The Tuberculosis in Wales Annual Report, released on World TB Day, disclosed that there were 95 newly diagnosed cases of TB reported in Wales in 2024, a significant jump from the 83 cases recorded in 2023. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board reported the highest rates of TB within Wales, with an incidence rate of 5.0 per 100,000 population. Public Health Wales is urging the public to be vigilant and familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of TB after a harrowing experience faced by a 38-year-old lecturer.
Lizzy Willmington, a healthy lecturer, battled with TB for a year, facing extreme fatigue, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing. Her diagnosis highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment. Willmington shared her traumatic experience, emphasising the impact the disease had on her personal and professional life. She stressed the importance of recognising the symptoms early on and seeking prompt medical assistance to combat the disease effectively.
Professor Meng Khaw, National Director of Health Protection and Screening Services at Public Health Wales, underscored the persistent threat of TB in communities and the pressing need for enhanced prevention measures and improved access to early diagnosis. The increase in TB cases in Wales underscores the urgency for robust strategies to tackle this preventable yet serious disease. To address this growing concern, PHW is convening the inaugural Wales World TB Day Symposium in Cardiff to facilitate discussions among healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers.
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and is spread through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit. In the Victorian era, TB, also known as consumption, was a leading cause of death in urban areas, claiming as many as one in seven individuals. Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and overall malaise. This serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened awareness and vigilance in combating the disease.
The Wales Online article also highlighted the critical role of early detection in managing TB effectively. Through timely diagnosis and treatment, communities can be safeguarded against the debilitating impacts of TB. The insights shared by individuals like Lizzy Willmington underscore the physical, emotional, and social toll of battling TB, emphasising the need for comprehensive support systems to aid in the recovery process. The Wales World TB Day Symposium holds promise in fostering collaboration and innovation to address the persistent challenge posed by TB in Wales.