An outbreak of fatal tuberculosis (TB) has killed one person at a UK university with three more students testing positive.
The outbreak of TB has so far infected three people who came into close contact with the student who died from the disease in October 2021.
The student was enrolled at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David as a multi-agency outbreak control team has been investigating cases of what they call “active TB", Wales Online reports.
Public Health Wales has been working to establish other close contacts and to arrange TB screening and insisted that the risk of spreading to the community at large was very low.
Here is everything you need to know about TB and its symptoms.
What is tuberculosis (TB)
TB can be life-threatening, though most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
It is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
While TB mainly affects the lungs, it can damage other parts of the body, including the abdomen, glands, bones and nervous system.
People are at a higher risk of catching TB if they are in close contact with a person known to have the disease, migrate from countries with high rates of TB, are homeless, addicted to drugs, have a weakened immune system, or are in prison.
Recent research shows the decline in TB up to 2019 appears to have reversed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases have increased by 2.4% in England – from 4,615 in 2018 to 4,725 in 2019.
While TB cases fell in 2020, most likely due to people staying away from the NHS during the pandemic, suggestions are that infections rose by more than 7% in 2021.
Tuberculosis and Covid
People are being urged not to dismiss a cough as Covid after figures showed a rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases.
Anyone with a cough, particularly those in groups at a higher risk of catching TB, are being urged not to dismiss their persistent cough and fever as the coronavirus.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UKHSA, said: “TB is curable and preventable and now is the time to get our elimination efforts back on track.
“Despite significant progress towards elimination in recent years, tuberculosis remains a serious public health issue in the UK.
“With treatment, most people will make a full recovery, but delayed diagnosis and treatment, particularly during the pandemic, will have increased the number of undetected TB cases in the country.
“It is important to remember that not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is Covid-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than three weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB.
“Tuberculosis develops slowly, and it may take several weeks, months or even years after you were infected before you notice you’re unwell.
“Contact your GP if you think you could be at risk so you can get tested and treated.”
Tuberculosis symptoms
According to the NHS, typical symptoms of TB include:
- a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody
- weight loss
- night sweats
- high temperature
- tiredness and fatigue
- loss of appetite
- swellings in the neck
You should see a GP if you have a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks or you cough up blood.
Dr Brendan Mason, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health Wales, said: "TB is difficult to transmit. It requires close and prolonged contact with an infectious individual for a person to become infected.
"However, we encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms of TB.
"If you have symptoms, we advise that you speak to your GP, who can provide you with the appropriate advice and refer you for TB screening if required."
