Disease Reduction: 13-Year Decline, 60% of Cases in 65+ Age Group
Tuberculosis Cases Declining, elderly Population Remains Vulnerable
Table of Contents
Published: March 24, 2025
Tuberculosis (TB) cases have been steadily decreasing for 13 years. However, the elderly, particularly those 65 and older, remain a vulnerable population.
According too a 2024 report, domestic TB cases have decreased by 7.6% annually since peaking at 5,491 in 2011. In the past year, there were 17,944 cases, a 64.5% decrease compared to 2011.
TB is an infectious disease with a long history. tuberculosis was known in 1882 when German bacterial scholars Robert koch discovered tuberculosis bacteria, a pathogenic body of tuberculosis,
according to Seoul National University Hospital.
Historically,TB was associated with poverty,affecting those with poor nutrition or weakened immunity due to overwork. The introduction of the BCG vaccine has substantially reduced TB cases.
While overall TB cases have decreased, the proportion of elderly patients (65 and older) and foreign patients is increasing. In the past year,1,534 patients over 65 accounted for 58.7% of all cases. This is up from 48.5% in 2020, 51.0% in 2021,55.4% in 2022, and 57.9% in 2023.
In the past year, 1,077 foreign patients accounted for 6.0% of all TB cases. The proportion of foreign patients has also increased, from 5.2% in 2020 to 5.4% in 2021, 5.3% in 2022, and 5.7% in 2023.
March 24 is designated as Tuberculosis Prevention Day to raise awareness about the importance of TB prevention and management, according to the Tuberculosis Prevention Act.
the World Health Organization (WHO) considers tuberculosis a major global health concern. The WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 estimates 10.6 million TB cases worldwide in 2022, a number consistent with 2021 but showing an increase compared to 2020.
According to a study published in BMC Public Health, the incidence rate of tuberculosis is highest in the 85 and older age group (298.84 in males and 142.99 per 100,000 population in females).
Tuberculosis: A Q&A on Declining Cases and Vulnerable Populations
Published: March 24, 2025
Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.
Key Points:
TB is a preventable disease.
It has a long history, known since 1882 when Robert Koch discovered the bacteria.
TB was historically linked to poverty,malnutrition,and weakened immunity.
Are TB Cases Declining?
Yes, TB cases have been steadily decreasing, with domestic cases decreasing by 7.6% annually with a peak of 5,491 in 2011. There where 17,944 cases in the past year, which is a 64.5% decrease compared to 2011.
Why is the Elderly Population Vulnerable to TB?
The elderly, particularly those aged 65 and older, are a vulnerable population. In the past year, 1,534 patients over 65 accounted for 58.7% of all cases. This marks an increase from previous years:
2020: 48.5%
2021: 51.0%
2022: 55.4%
2023: 57.9%
The incidence rate of TB is highest in the 85 and older age group.
Are Foreign Patients Affected by TB?
Yes, the proportion of foreign patients has also increased. in the past year, 1,077 foreign patients accounted for 6.0% of all TB cases. Here’s a breakdown of the increase:
2020: 5.2%
2021: 5.4%
2022: 5.3%
* 2023: 5.7%
What Role Does the BCG Vaccine Play?
The introduction of the BCG vaccine has substantially reduced TB cases.
Global Perspective and Prevention
What is the Global Impact of Tuberculosis?
The World Health Institution (WHO) considers tuberculosis a major global health concern. The WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 estimated 10.6 million TB cases worldwide in 2022.
When is Tuberculosis Prevention Day?
March 24 is designated as Tuberculosis Prevention Day to raise awareness about the importance of TB prevention and management.