A mother from Coventry has issued a stark warning to other parents after her four-year-old son was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a disease often associated with the Victorian era.
Elliot's Battle with TB
Megan West, a stay-at-home mother from Coventry in the West Midlands, feared for her son Elliot's life after he was diagnosed with the infectious disease last year. The little boy had been suffering from night sweats and unexplained weight loss before his condition was identified.
Elliot's journey to diagnosis was fraught with difficulty. He first experienced trouble walking, with doctors initially attributing his symptoms to viral infections. Some even suggested he might be walking oddly to seek attention following the arrival of a baby sister.
It was only in June 2025, when Elliot complained that his legs were "not working," that Megan took him to Coventry Hospital. An x-ray there finally revealed the truth: swollen lymph nodes in the child's lungs caused by tuberculosis.
Rising Cases and Key Symptoms
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a concerning 13% rise in tuberculosis notifications in England. The figures show 5,490 cases in 2024, up by more than 600 from the 4,831 recorded in 2023. This surge means the disease, often dubbed a 'Victorian superbug', nearly lost its "low-incidence" status in the UK.
The NHS states that tuberculosis symptoms usually develop gradually. While it primarily affects the lungs and is treatable with antibiotics, it can become serious if left untreated. A vaccine is available for some at-risk groups.
The main symptoms of active tuberculosis include:
- A persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, which may produce phlegm or blood-streaked mucus.
- Feeling consistently tired or exhausted.
- Experiencing a high temperature or drenching night sweats.
- A noticeable loss of appetite and 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.
When TB Spreads Beyond the Lungs
If tuberculosis spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, or brain, additional symptoms can occur. These may include swollen glands, body aches, painful or swollen joints, abdominal pain, headaches, confusion, a stiff neck, or a rash.
It is also possible to have latent TB, where the bacteria are present in the body but cause no symptoms.
Thankfully, Elliot is now on the mend after receiving treatment. However, his mother Megan has a powerful message for other parents: "Listen to your child and push when you don't feel things are right." Her family's story highlights the importance of recognising the signs of this resurgent disease.
