Ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, Saxony's Health Minister Petra Köpping has highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the infectious disease. "Thanks to early diagnostic procedures and effective therapies, tuberculosis is treatable today," said the SPD politician in a statement. "Nevertheless, the importance of comprehensive prevention must not be underestimated."
2024 more cases in Saxony
Tuberculosis is now very rare in Germany. According to the ministry, there were 161 cases in Saxony last year - an increase of eleven percent compared to 2023. 123 cases were pulmonary tuberculosis requiring treatment. According to data from the State Investigation Office, 15 cases have been reported in the state since January, with three cases of tuberculosis most recently discovered in Dresden in the vicinity of a daycare center.
Fatal for half of those infected without treatment
The infectious disease is caused by bacteria and mainly affects the lungs. It is transmitted when infected people excrete pathogens when coughing and sneezing. According to the World Health Organization, around half of those infected die without treatment. With four to six months of treatment, around 85 percent of people can be cured.
More multi-resistant pathogens
There is no effective vaccine. Another challenge in the fight against the disease is multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. According to the ministry, their proportion has risen in Saxony in recent years from a maximum of 7 percent to currently 9 percent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March in memory of the discovery of the pathogen, which Robert Koch announced on this day in 1882.
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