Health officials are monitoring a confirmed outbreak of tuberculosis, a disease once rampant in the Victorian era, at an Amazon fulfilment centre in Coventry. The company has stated that ten individuals at the site tested positive for a non-contagious form of the bacterial infection in September, prompting an expanded NHS screening programme for staff.
Recognising the Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infection that mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. While treatable with antibiotics, it requires timely diagnosis. According to the NHS, symptoms typically develop gradually and should not be ignored.
The most well-known warning sign is a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, which may bring up phlegm or blood. However, there are several other common indicators of active TB infection that the public should be aware of.
Six Common Signs of Active TB
The health service lists a number of frequent symptoms, including:
- A persistent cough for over three weeks, potentially with blood-streaked mucus.
- Feeling unusually tired or exhausted.
- Experiencing a high temperature or severe night sweats.
- A noticeable loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A general feeling of being unwell.
In children, difficulty gaining weight or growing at the expected rate can also be a sign. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs, symptoms can vary widely and may include swollen glands, body aches, headaches, confusion, or a stiff neck.
Response to the Amazon Warehouse Outbreak
Following the September cases, Amazon initiated a health screening process in collaboration with the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A company spokesperson confirmed they followed all safety guidance and notified potentially affected employees immediately.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we are currently running an expanded screening programme with the NHS," the spokesperson stated. Dr Roger Gajraj, a consultant in health protection with UKHSA West Midlands, sought to reassure the public, noting the overall risk remains low.
"The small number of individuals affected by tuberculosis are responding well to treatment and are no longer infectious, so pose no onward risk," Dr Gajraj explained. Despite this assessment, the GMB union has called for the temporary closure of the Coventry site, citing multiple confirmed cases.
The Resurgence of a Victorian Disease
This incident highlights a concerning national trend. Data from the UKHSA shows a 13% increase in TB cases in England in 2024, with 5,480 reports compared to 4,850 in 2023. This marks a rebound to levels higher than those seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Often labelled a 'Victorian disease' due to its historical prevalence, TB claimed millions of lives in the 19th century. Its decline in the UK is largely attributed to the national BCG vaccination programme introduced in 1953. Today, the BCG jab is recommended for specific higher-risk groups, including babies in areas with high TB rates, children with family members from high-risk countries, and certain healthcare workers.
Health experts urge anyone experiencing the key symptoms, particularly a prolonged cough, to contact their GP or consult the NHS website for further advice and information.
