Between 2019 and 2023, more than 149,000 immigrants and asylum-seekers were screened for tuberculosis (TB) after arriving in the Netherlands. The screening enabled rapid detection of 312 people with TB. These findings are from the evaluation of the screening programme, conducted by RIVM. For the first time, the analysis also included the results of follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection among immigrants over 18 years of age. 13% of the screened immigrants were shown to have a TB infection.
Between 2019 and 2023, more than 149,000 immigrants and asylum-seekers were screened for tuberculosis (TB) after arriving in the Netherlands. The screening enabled rapid detection of 312 people with TB. These findings are from the evaluation of the screening programme, conducted by RIVM. For the first time, the analysis also included the results of follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection among immigrants over 18 years of age. 13% of the screened immigrants were shown to have a TB infection.
Immigrants and asylum-seekers entering the Netherlands from countries where TB is common are subjected to mandatory screening for tuberculosis upon arrival. Immigrants and asylum-seekers from the countries where TB is most common, for whom the disease and infection were not excluded upon arrival, are offered follow-up TB screening. This facilitates rapid treatment of the disease, which helps prevent its further spread.
Arrival and follow-up screening
Between 2019 and 2023, 87,743 immigrants and 61,781 asylum-seekers were screened for tuberculosis. Arrival screening detected TB in 69 immigrants and 170 asylum-seekers. A follow-up screening showed that 32 immigrants and 41 asylum-seekers had the disease. All 312 people with tuberculosis were offered treatment, and 86% of these patients completed the full course of treatment.
Follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection
For the first time, the analysis also included the results of follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection among immigrants over 18 years of age. People with a latent TB infection are not ill or contagious, but could develop an active infection if they do not receive treatment. It could take time, sometimes even years. 13% of the 10,765 screened immigrants were shown to have a TB infection. They were offered treatment to ensure that they would not develop active tuberculosis. 65% of the immigrants who are known to have received treatment also completed a full course of treatment.
About screening and evaluation
Tuberculosis screening for immigrants and asylum-seekers is performed by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs). RIVM carries out the evaluation of screening effectiveness, which is repeated every five years.
More information about tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It can be contagious if it is present in the lungs. Would you like to know more? Go to Tuberculosis | RIVM.