Last year there were significantly fewer reports of tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands. At 17 percent, it is the largest decrease in fifty years. In 2020 there were 623 reports compared to 754 in 2019. This is shown by new figures from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
The number of TB reports was especially lower during the lockdowns, compared to the same months in the years before. The significant decrease in the number of reports can be explained by a combination of three possible causes.
Fewer contamination clusters
The first explanation is the influence of the COVID-19 measures, such as keeping a distance. This also prevents the TB bacteria from spreading as easily. In 2020, a decrease can indeed be seen in the number of contamination clusters.
Immigration decline
Another explanation is a decrease in the number of immigrants and asylum seekers. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, newcomers from countries where TB is common are compulsorily screened for tuberculosis. The number of TB patients diagnosed in this entry screen fell from 49 in 2019 to 21 in 2020. Due to the low numbers, this only explains part of the total decrease.
Delay in diagnoses
A delay in making a diagnosis can also be an explanation. For example, because people went to the doctor less and because there was less care available. There is a good chance that these people will report later, possibly with more serious complaints.
Long-term effects
Whether the decline in the number of TB patients in the Netherlands will continue will only become clear in the coming years. RIVM keeps a close eye on these developments.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. The disease can be contagious, for example if it is in the lungs. Of the TB patients in 2020, 342 had TB in the lung and 279 TB outside the lung. The most contagious form (open tuberculosis) occurred in a quarter of patients in 2020.
Almost three quarters of TB patients in the Netherlands came from countries where tuberculosis is common. In 2020, most of these TB patients were born in Eritrea (74), followed by Morocco (61) and India (42).
Tuberculosis detection
Early detection of the disease prevents more people from contracting tuberculosis. In 2020, the disease was found in 7 percent of patients by actively researching risk groups such as immigrants and asylum seekers. In 4 percent of the patients, the disease was found in contacts of infectious TB patients. Most of the patients (89 percent) were found after they themselves went to a doctor with complaints.
Tuberculosis treatment
Tuberculosis is usually treatable. TB treatment lasts at least six months and consists of a combination of different types of antibiotics. In severe forms of resistance to the antibiotics, the duration of the treatment can be up to 20 months. In 2020, 12 patients had this severe form of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
World Stop Tuberculosis Day
World Stop Tuberculosis Day is Wednesday 24 March 2021. This day is intended to raise awareness about the worldwide spread and control of tuberculosis. Worldwide, 10 million people get the disease every year. Every year 1.5 million people die from tuberculosis.
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