Amazon Coventry Warehouse TB Outbreak

In January 2026, an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) was confirmed at Amazon's Coventry warehouse, affecting ten employees. The GMB Union has strongly advocated for the temporary closure of the facility to implement stricter infection control measures. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reassured the public that the affected individuals are responding positively to treatment and are no longer infectious. Despite this, testing is being offered to those who had close contact with the infected individuals as a precautionary measure.

The rise in TB cases in England, with a 13.6% increase in 2024, underscores the importance of monitoring and managing infectious diseases. Amazon is working with the NHS to conduct an expanded screening program. This situation has prompted discussions about workplace safety and the health of employees, particularly in large facilities.

Actionable Takeaways: Stay informed about TB symptoms (persistent cough, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss) and seek medical advice if you experience them. Businesses should prioritize employee health by implementing robust screening and infection control measures.

Symptoms include a cough lasting more than three weeks, fatigue, high temperature, night sweats, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Yes, TB is fully treatable with antibiotics.

Latent TB is when someone has the TB bacteria in their body but doesn't have symptoms and can't spread the disease. However, it can develop into active TB if not treated.

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