Tuberculosis is a disease that can be transmitted through the air by the coughing of infected individuals. Switzerland sees around 550 cases of tuberculosis a year, most of them among immigrants to the country.
Tuberculosis is caused by certain types of mycobacteria, most frequently by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Transmission occurs when a person already infected coughs droplets containing the bacteria, which then remain in the air where they may be inhaled by others. The persons involved in such transmission will usually need to remain in the same room for several hours, however, for infection to occur.
Tuberculosis infection will not be detectable for the first two months. And only five to ten per cent of newly infected persons will go on to develop the disease – usually within two years, though this can also occur several years later. At particular risk of early tuberculosis development are small children and persons with weakened immune systems (such as HIV patients or those taking immunosuppressant medication).
Tuberculosis will affect the lungs in 80 per cent of cases, though other organs may also be attacked. Typical symptoms of the disease include coughing (often with sputum), fever and weight loss. Tuberculosis is usually well treatable with a course of several months of special antibiotics (known as antituberculotics). But if left untreated, it can often result in long illness and death. In a small percentage of cases, the bacteria prove resistant to the main medications: in such cases, treatment will be a longer and more complex affair.
There are some nine million cases of tuberculosis worldwide each year. In many countries the global general reduction in tuberculosis case numbers was slowed by the HIV epidemic. But tuberculosis has been on the decline among the populations of highly developed nations for decades now. Switzerland currently sees some 550 cases a year. Most of these are in persons from countries in which the disease is still widespread (and from Africa and Asia in particular). And of the cases in the native population, around half are among retirees who were first infected in childhood.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further tuberculosis infection. Proper treatment over a period of at least six months will avoid both recurrence of the disease and the development of drug resistance. This also means that any persons undergoing such treatment while seeking asylum in Switzerland should always have their treatment completed. In view of this, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) must also be notified of any tuberculosis diagnosis via «Arztbericht» form.
Following infection, the development of the disease can be prevented with antituberculotic medication. This is important for persons who are close to the patient, and also for anyone with a weakened immune system.
Vaccination against tuberculosis is not available in Switzerland. It is only recommended for newborns and infants under 12 months of age who have an increased risk of infection. These are infants who will live permanently in a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis. In such cases, it is recommended that the vaccination is administered in the country of destination.
