Marking World TB Day on Tuesday 24 March, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging greater awareness of tuberculosis (TB) symptoms, noting that recognising them promptly can help avert future infections.

In 2025, 81 cases of active TB were notified to the PHA, down from 87 in 2024. This follows 78 cases in 2023 and 69 in 2022.

Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said: "TB remains an important global and local public health issue, but with effective treatment, TB can be a curable condition. World TB Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness to help reduce transmission by encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.

"TB is an infection that is spread in the air by inhaling small droplets from someone with infectious TB of the lungs, who coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. The symptoms of TB include a prolonged cough, fever and unexplained weight loss. If anyone is concerned about their symptoms they should contact their GP as soon as possible."

Symptoms that may indicate TB include fever and night sweats, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, blood in sputum (phlegm or spit), loss of appetite, and fatigue or general malaise. While anyone can develop TB, risks are higher for people who live with or spend prolonged time near someone who is infectious; those with social and lifestyle risk factors such as alcohol misuse, drug use or homelessness; individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like renal disease or diabetes, or treatments that suppress immunity; and people who have lived in or visited countries with high TB prevalence.

Bovine tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium bovis) can also infect humans, placing some in the farming community at slightly increased risk. Although overall risk is low, six cases of bovine TB were reported in Northern Ireland in 2025. Farmers and agricultural workers can reduce exposure by washing hands thoroughly and frequently (especially before eating and after work), avoiding eating or drinking in animal areas, cleaning and covering any skin wounds promptly, and not consuming unpasteurised milk or raw dairy products. If unpasteurised products are consumed despite the risks, ensure they come from an officially certified TB-free herd.

The UK has committed to the World Health Organization's target to eliminate TB by 2035, supporting sustained annual reductions in incidence and transmission. To support this goal, the PHA is collaborating with HSC Trusts and partner organisations to boost awareness and improve diagnosis and treatment, particularly among higher-risk groups. Tackling TB also requires action on wider social determinants of health and the support services linked to them.

Further information is available at www.pha.site/tb-leaflet and www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/tuberculosis-tb.