Amazon Confirms Tuberculosis Outbreak at UK Warehouse
Amazon has reported a tuberculosis outbreak at one of its major warehouses in the UK, referred to as “Victorian disease” due to its historical prevalence in the 19th century.
This situation involves tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial condition that, while largely preventable and treatable today, still exists in communities across modern Britain.
The outbreak took place at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse, where approximately 3,000 people are employed.
In September 2025, screenings revealed that ten workers tested positive for latent tuberculosis, a form where the bacteria are present but the individual shows no symptoms and is not contagious.
Health officials have reassured the public that individuals with latent TB cannot transmit the infection to others, and those diagnosed are reportedly responding well to treatment.
Safety Measures and Testing
To ensure safety, Amazon enlisted staff from the NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for extensive blood testing, citing precautions as the reason for their actions.
The company claims to be adhering to medical advice, and there have been no new confirmed cases since the initial findings. Moreover, operations at the warehouse are proceeding as usual.
Despite these assurances, the incident has sparked significant reactions from unions and lawmakers.
The GMB union, representing many of the warehouse employees, has called for the site to be temporarily closed while all staff receive full pay until adequate infection control measures are established.
Some union representatives have pointed out that the presence of TB, a disease formerly widespread in crowded Victorian cities, raises ongoing concerns about conditions in large warehouse workplaces.
Local MP Zarah Sultana described Amazon’s decision to maintain the facility’s operation as “outrageous,” arguing that the company treats its workers as if they are “disposable.”
She has advocated for stronger protections for employees, emphasizing that this situation serves as a reminder of persistent issues related to labor rights and public health.
How Common is Tuberculosis Today?
Tuberculosis is primarily a bacterial infection affecting the lungs. Although contemporary UK treatment options include antibiotics and vaccines, TB was once one of the deadliest diseases, historically referred to as “consumption” during the Victorian era.
According to UKHSA data, TB case numbers have risen in recent years, with almost 5,500 cases reported in England in 2024, up from about 4,800 in 2023.
While health experts stress that latent TB poses no immediate risk to the public, they recommend that anyone who suspects they’ve been exposed should undergo screening.
