Two cases of tuberculosis confirmed in Luxembourg

Minister Lenert warned that tuberculosis is "highly contagious" after confirming that two cases had been reported in the Grand Duchy in the last six months. In response to a parliamentary enquiry, she warned that the "bacteria can remain in the air for a long time".

Since both cases were found in schools and daycares, Minister Lenert further advised that schools in particular make sure that classrooms are well-ventilated. The politician from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) was however careful not to disclose whether the patients were pupils or staff members.

Both the Health Inspectorate and the Health Directorate were put in charge of determining and informing contact cases. "The most effective strategy is to detect the disease as early as possible and to detect any further cases of tuberculosis through screening," emphasised Minister Lenert. In this context, the Minister also highlighted that cases of tuberculosis remain "rare" in schools. This is why the systematic screening approach of the past has been discontinued.

Symptoms and treatments

It should be noted that cases have been steadily declining since statistics on the disease began. Nevertheless, it is equally important to note that tuberculosis remains among the top ten causes of death worldwide.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tuberculosis is a treatable and curable disease. The WHO estimates that diagnosis and treatment have saved an estimated 66 million lives since the year 2000.

Common symptoms of active pulmonary tuberculosis are coughing, sometimes tinged with blood, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

A standard six-month-long treatment of four drugs is administered to affected patients, along with information and support from a trained healthcare worker or volunteer. Without this support, it is more difficult for patients to comply with their treatment.