Victorian disease refers to infections such as tuberculosis, named for their spread in overcrowded conditions and now resurfacing due to public health gaps
What Is Victorian Disease Origin of the Term and Why Its Outbreak Is Raising Alarm? (Source: X)
Amazon has confirmed that a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak was detected at its Coventry fulfilment centre in the UK. The disclosure has caused concern among workers’ unions and has once again raised questions about health and safety conditions inside large workplaces. TB is a bacterial infection that is often described as a “Victorian disease”.
The term “Victorian disease” is used for bacterial or parasitic illnesses that were common during the 1800s. These diseases usually spread in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, or unhygienic environments. Tuberculosis falls into this category.
TB mainly affects the lungs. However, if it is not treated on time, it can also spread to other parts of the body. These include the abdomen, lymph nodes, bones, and even the nervous system. The disease became known as a “Victorian disease” because it was widespread in the 19th century, especially in crowded cities with weak sanitation systems.
Doctors say TB can be cured with antibiotics. But if treatment is delayed, the illness can become serious and, in some cases, fatal. Health experts repeatedly stress that early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for recovery.
The infection is described as a “Victorian disease” because it was closely linked to life in 19th-century Britain. During that time, poor sanitation, overcrowding, and malnutrition allowed such illnesses to spread rapidly.
“Victorian diseases” include tuberculosis (TB), cholera, scarlet fever, typhus, measles, and smallpox. While many of these illnesses were once thought to be under control, recent reports in the UK show a return of TB, measles, and similar infections. Experts link this trend to public health gaps, falling vaccination rates, and declining immunity. As a result, attention has again turned to these historically dangerous diseases.
Symptoms of TB depend on which part of the body is affected. Some common warning signs include:
Ongoing pain or discomfort
Tingling or numbness
Muscle stiffness or sudden contractions
Difficulty moving in advanced cases
Constant tiredness and physical weakness
Doctors advise people to seek medical help if these symptoms continue, especially if they believe they may have been exposed to TB.
An “outbreak of Victorian disease” refers to the unexpected return of illnesses that were common in the 1800s. These diseases often reappear in modern countries due to overcrowding, poverty, poor living conditions, reduced vaccination coverage, and antibiotic resistance.
Diseases such as tuberculosis, scabies, gout, and scarlet fever never fully disappeared. However, their rising numbers in recent years have alarmed public health officials, particularly in developed nations like the UK.
Amazon has confirmed that a TB outbreak occurred at its Coventry fulfilment centre. The development has sparked concern among trade unions and renewed debate about worker safety.
The GMB union, which represents employees at the site, said it was alarmed after several cases were reported. The warehouse employs around 3,000 people. The union has called on authorities to step in and temporarily stop operations until thorough safety checks are completed.
According to reports, Amazon identified 10 cases of non-contagious tuberculosis at the Coventry site in September 2025. The company said it is working closely with the National Health Service (NHS) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). As part of precautionary steps, employees are being screened.
Amazon has stated that all identified cases are non-contagious and that no additional infections have been found so far. The company added that warehouse operations are continuing normally while health screenings remain ongoing.
