Tuberculosis cases in two schools in Dresden

In two schools in Dresden, infectious tuberculosis has been detected in two people. All contact persons in the school environment are now being tested as a precautionary measure, the municipal health department announced. The infected persons have been isolated and are receiving medical treatment. Tuberculosis is generally a disease that is difficult to transmit.

If an initial test is negative, a second test is required for children and young people after eight to twelve weeks. Only then can it be reliably ruled out that someone has been infected.

Not every infection leads to an outbreak of the disease

The infection is caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. Infection occurs through the air when droplets containing the pathogen are inhaled when coughing or speaking. Not every infection leads to an outbreak of the disease. Most patients can be cured with medical treatment.

Tuberculosis is rare in Germany. According to the Dresden health department, 39 people in the state capital were diagnosed with the disease last year. In 2024, 34 people were affected.

One of the ten most common causes of death worldwide

In contrast, tuberculosis is one of the ten most common causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual TB report, 1.23 million people died from the bacterial disease last year. Without treatment, almost half of those infected die, according to the WHO.