Tuberculosis more common in those born abroad, report says

More than two-thirds of people diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) last year in Scotland were born outside of the UK, latest figures show.

Data from Public Health Scotland revealed that the number of TB cases in Scotland increased by just over 40% in 2023 to the highest number since 2017.

The statistics showed 283 cases of the disease were recorded last year compared with 201 in 2022.

With figures dating back to 2000, cases in Scotland saw the "largest annual increase observed to-date", the health body said.

Public Health Scotland said the incidence of the disease in people born overseas was 19.2 times higher than for people born in the UK.

Its report said the pattern among non-UK born tuberculosis cases was not fully understood.

But it suggested TB cases in those born outside of the UK could be related to people already being infected with an inactive and symptom-free form of the bacterium that is later reactivated after they arrived in the UK.

The report also indicates infection within the UK or frequent travel to countries with a high number of tuberculosis cases could be possible factors.

"The most reported risk factor for tuberculosis was being a refugee or asylum seeker," the report said.

The report also highlighted a "strong" link between TB and deprivation.

Figures revealed three out of 10 cases (30.8%) in Scotland last year were in the most deprived areas, while only one in 10 cases occurred in the most affluent communities.

Thirteen of Scotland’s health board areas recorded cases of the disease – with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde having the largest number at 108 cases.

Incidence was highest among males in the 25 to 34 age group.

While TB can be treated with antibiotics, it can be serious if left untreated.

Common symptoms include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, which usually brings up phlegm that may be bloody.

Those with the disease can also struggle with exhaustion, a high temperature or night sweats, a loss of appetite and weight loss, and feeling generally unwell, according to NHS Scotland.

The increase comes after Scotland had "observed a decreasing trend in tuberculosis case numbers and incidence since 2010" - with the exception of a small rise in 2021.

Public Health Scotland said that despite the increase Scotland remains a low incidence country.