Tuberculosis cases remain constant in Saxony

The number of tuberculosis cases in Saxony has recently remained almost unchanged. As of March 1, 145 cases had been registered, compared to 147 in the previous year, as the Ministry of Health reported on Saturday. According to figures from the Robert Koch Institute, however, an increase to 4481 (4076) was recorded nationwide. Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) warned that the disease, which is transmitted by bacteria, should continue to be taken seriously. World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on Sunday.

According to the Federal Centre for Health Education, the disease does not break out in many cases because the body's own immune system can contain the pathogens. According to this, around 5 to 10 percent of adolescents and adults fall ill after infection, while the figure is 20 to 40 percent for young children and adults with weakened immune systems. According to the data, more and more TB bacteria worldwide are resistant to important drugs.

In Saxony, there were 106 cases requiring treatment last year, according to the ministry. This is the same number as the year before. With 2.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the state was below the national average (3.7). An outbreak of tuberculosis around a nursing school in Chemnitz had attracted greater attention in 2023.