2023 Tuberculosis Annual Report for Scotland published

The Tuberculosis (TB) Annual Report, published today by Public Health Scotland (PHS), shows that the number of TB cases reported during 2023 increased by 40.8% compared to the previous year (from 201 cases in 2022, to 283 cases in 2023). This is an increase in incidence from 3.7 to 5.2 per 100,000 people. 

While this is the highest number of TB cases reported since 2017, Scotland continues to be classified a low incidence country as the recorded incidence level is less than the internationally recognised measure of 10 per 100,000 people. 

Case numbers have increased across all age groups, apart from those aged 75 and over. 
TB is a serious condition, but in most cases can be cured with proper treatment. It is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It usually only spreads after prolonged exposure to someone with the illness. For example, within a family living in the same house.   

Hazel Henderson, Consultant in Public Health, PHS said: 

“We are actively working with partners to better understand who is affected by TB in Scotland, what may have changed and what contributing factors led to the increase in cases in 2023. We are also developing a new national TB surveillance system to help improve our understanding of TB in Scotland. We are improving testing to identify and treat latent TB, where TB is present in the body but causing no symptoms, which can help prevent active TB cases and on-going transmission and are working with colleagues at Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) to undertake a review of TB services across Scotland. 

“Typical symptoms include a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm (which may be bloody), weight loss, night sweats, a high temperature, tiredness and fatigue, loss of appetite and new swellings that do not go away after a few weeks.  

“If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your GP.”

Read the full report. 

More information on TB can be found on NHS Inform.