Number and Profile of Tuberculosis Patients in First Half 2022 Compared With Previous Two Years
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns inquiries by Ms Joan Pereira regarding tuberculosis (TB) case trends in early 2022, the most affected demographics, and current measures to reduce the spread of the disease. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded that while early 2022 data is unavailable, TB incidence remained stable in 2020 and 2021, with nearly half of new cases involving seniors aged 60 and older. He explained that many older Singaporeans carry non-infectious latent TB infections and emphasized that early detection and treatment of active cases are vital for controlling transmission. Key policy measures include ensuring treatment adherence to prevent drug resistance and conducting contact investigations through the National Tuberculosis Programme to identify and test close contacts of infectious cases. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung also advised individuals with symptoms like prolonged coughs to seek prompt medical attention to ensure they are rapidly rendered non-infectious.
Transcript
39 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) how does the number of tuberculosis cases in the first half of this year compare with the previous two years; (b) what are the age groups most affected by tuberculosis; and (c) what measures are currently in place to reduce the spread of tuberculosis.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Data from the first half of this year, from January to June, is not available. The incidence of cases with active tuberculosis (TB) disease in 2020 and 2021 were 34 and 33 cases per 100,000 resident population. In 2021, almost half of the new cases with TB disease were aged 60 and older.
The recent numbers reported through screening at Block 2 in Jalan Bukit Merah include both active TB disease and latent TB infection, and these cases are currently undergoing medical evaluation to determine their TB status. A large proportion of the cases will likely be latent TB infection. Latent TB infection is not infectious and demonstrates no symptoms. Many older Singaporeans were exposed to and infected with TB when they were younger, when the incidence of TB in Singapore was much higher. Up to 30% of older Singaporeans have latent TB infection. But they remain non-infectious and may not experience any symptoms. Only one in 10 persons with latent TB infection may progress to active TB disease during their lifetime.
Early detection and prompt treatment of active TB disease is key to controlling the spread of TB. Persons with symptoms of TB, such as prolonged cough for more than three weeks, should seek medical attention early to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment ensures that patients are rapidly rendered non-infectious, thereby reducing further spread. Adherence to treatment until completion is also crucial to prevent the recurrence of TB or the development of drug resistance.
To further reduce spread of TB, the National Tuberculosis Programme conducts contact investigations to identify persons who have had close and prolonged contact with infectious TB cases. Contacts are tested for TB for early detection and treatment of the disease to contain transmission.