Tuberculosis Has Not Become a Thing of the Past: Experts Warn “It Is Still Among Us”

Once thought to be a disease of the past, tuberculosis (TB) is back on the agenda today with rising case numbers. Commenting on the issue, Assoc. Prof. Nurten Elkin, a Public Health Specialist and Faculty Member at Istanbul Gelisim University, Faculty of Health Sciences, stated: “When tuberculosis is mentioned, most of us think of sanatoriums and diseases that belong to the past. However, the reality is that tuberculosis has neither disappeared nor lost its impact.”

Striking Figures Worldwide

Evaluating the global situation of TB cases, Elkin drew attention to World Health Organization data, saying:
“The most up-to-date figures from the World Health Organization are striking: In 2023, 10.8 million people worldwide contracted tuberculosis, and 1.25 million people lost their lives due to this disease. In other words, in the post–COVID-19 period, tuberculosis has once again become the deadliest infectious disease. These figures tell us one thing clearly: TB is still among us and much closer than we think.”
Elkin also emphasized that Türkiye has made significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis, but the risk still persists. “Türkiye is one of the successful countries in the fight against tuberculosis. Thanks to a strong vaccination program and free diagnosis and treatment services, case numbers have decreased significantly compared to the past. However, this success should not lead to complacency. According to current data, the incidence of TB in our country is approximately 11.2 per 100,000. This means that thousands of people encounter this disease every year.”

Tuberculosis Is Not an Individual, but a Social Disease

Elkin also stressed that tuberculosis should not be seen merely as an individual disease:
“The biggest mistake is to see TB only as ‘the problem of the sick person.’ Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air. An untreated patient can unknowingly infect those around them for months. Therefore, TB is not just an infectious disease; it is directly a public health issue. A delayed diagnosis in one person can pave the way for dozens of new cases in society.”

Stopping Treatment Early Is a Major Danger

Reminding that TB treatment is long-term, Assoc. Prof. Nurten Elkin pointed out common mistakes made by patients:
“Tuberculosis treatment is long and usually requires at least six months of regular medication. The most common mistake patients make is stopping their medication early with the thought, ‘My symptoms are gone, I’m cured.’ However, the disappearance of symptoms does not mean that the bacteria have been completely eliminated. When treatment is discontinued prematurely, the disease returns, the person becomes contagious again, and most importantly, the bacteria develop drug resistance.”

Drug-Resistant TB Makes Treatment More Difficult

Assoc Prof. Elkin also addressed the causes of drug-resistant tuberculosis:
“Drug-resistant TB occurs when standard TB medications are no longer effective. This condition most often arises as a result of irregular or incomplete treatment. In drug-resistant TB, treatment can take years rather than months, the medications used have more side effects, and the process is much more challenging for both the patient and the healthcare system. In short, not taking medications on time and completely creates a risk not only for the individual but for society as a whole.”

Vaccination and Early Diagnosis Save Lives

Assoc. Prof. Elkin also emphasized the importance of the BCG vaccine:
“The BCG vaccine especially protects infants and children from the most severe and fatal forms of tuberculosis. It prevents life-threatening conditions such as TB meningitis and disseminated tuberculosis. Therefore, vaccination programs are one of the cornerstones of the fight against TB. The protection provided by the vaccine is indispensable for public health.”
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, Elkin said:
“Persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue..these symptoms should not be postponed with the thought that ‘they will pass.’ Tuberculosis is a completely treatable disease when detected early. Early diagnosis shortens treatment duration, prevents transmission, reduces the risk of drug resistance, significantly lowers mortality rates, and when diagnosis is delayed, the cost is heavy for both the individual and society.”

“The Fight Against Tuberculosis Is Not Over”

Regarding tuberculosis, a disease that can lead to serious health problems and even death if left untreated, Assoc. Prof. Elkin concluded:
“The fight against tuberculosis is not over. Trusting vaccination, taking symptoms seriously, and applying to healthcare institutions in a timely manner are the most effective ways of protection, both individually and socially.”