Singapore's tuberculosis cases decline for sixth consecutive year

The number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases in Singapore has fallen for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. The Ministry of Health reported 1,156 active infections this year, a decrease from 1,201 in 2023. Most of the cases were found in men and older individuals. This year's statistics were released on March 23, just before World Tuberculosis Day on March 24. Among the new cases, three were identified as drug-resistant TB, which is more difficult to treat. This is an increase from two cases in the previous year. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that primarily affects the lungs. The World Health Organization considers it the deadliest infectious disease, with over 1.25 million deaths globally in 2023. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and night sweats. Older adults, especially those aged 50 and above, made up nearly 78% of the new cases this year. Men accounted for about 67.5% of all patients. Historically, there has been a steady decline in cases since a peak of 1,617 in 2016, with only a small rise in 2018. The Ministry of Health noted that latent TB infections, where individuals carry the bacteria without showing symptoms, are common, particularly in older populations. Treatment for active TB usually lasts six to nine months, and patients are often deemed non-infectious shortly after starting treatment. In response to rising cases, mandatory TB screening for contacts of diagnosed patients began in July 2024. A large screening exercise in January identified just two infectious cases but found many individuals with latent TB. TB bacteria can spread through coughing, speaking, or singing. Not everyone who is infected becomes ill, as the bacteria can remain dormant for years.