The number of people with tuberculosis in the Netherlands increased slightly in 2024. Tuberculosis cases have returned to about the same level as shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be because the disease can spread more easily again than during the pandemic. In addition, more people have been coming to the Netherlands, including those travelling from countries where tuberculosis is common. These findings are from the tuberculosis key figures published by RIVM, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
In 2024, there were 768 confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands. This was an increase of 65 compared to 2023 (703 cases). More than half of these patients (469) had pulmonary TB. Some of those (202) had open TB – the most contagious type.
Number of TB patients in the Netherlands returns to pre-pandemic level
The number of reported cases of TB in the Netherlands in 2024 was higher than in the years during the COVID-19 pandemic (average 643), and the same level as in the years before the pandemic (average 777).
This is because measures to limit contact during the COVID-19 pandemic also reduced the spread of tuberculosis. In addition, fewer people came to the Netherlands during the pandemic, and this decrease also applied to those travelling from countries where TB is common.
Screening upon arrival in the Netherlands
People entering the Netherlands from countries where TB is common are subjected to mandatory screening for tuberculosis. This facilitates rapid detection and treatment of the disease. About 80% of TB patients in the Netherlands in 2024 were born in other countries. Most of them came from Eritrea (96 patients), followed by Somalia (45) and Morocco (44).
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by airborne bacteria. The disease can be contagious, but is not always – not even when the bacteria are present in the patient’s lungs.
TB can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. In 2024, most of the patients responded well to treatment. 13 patients showed resistance to the main antibiotics used in TB treatment. Over the past 10 years, this number has been between 6 and 10 patients a year. Treating patients with drug-resistant TB is more difficult, but new medication has shortened the duration of treatment.
What is tuberculosis infection?
If a person is infected with the TB bacteria is not yet ill, this is called a TB infection. Early detection and preventive treatment of people with a TB infection can prevent the disease from becoming symptomatic.
In 2024, more than 1500 people with a TB infection were reported. Nearly half of these were detected by screening people from countries where TB is common. Another one-third were found through source and contact tracing in connection with a TB patient.
On 24 March 1882, Dr (Doctor ) Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. World TB Day has been commemorated on that date every year since 1982, in honour of Koch’s discovery and to raise public awareness of the fight against TB. RIVM publishes key figures on tuberculosis every year around 24 March.