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A recent report indicates a concerning uptick in tuberculosis (TB) cases among children and adolescents within the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in 2023. This resurgence, detailed in a rapid communication published in Eurosurveillance ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, highlights the need for strengthened surveillance and preventive measures.
According to the analysis, 1,689 children and young adolescents under the age of 15 were diagnosed with TB in 2023. While this age group typically represents a small proportion of overall TB cases, the data reveals a slight increase from 2022, with the notification rate rising from 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population.
Researchers analyzed trends from 2015 to 2023, observing a fluctuating pattern. After a substantial 37% decrease between 2019 and 2021, notifications gradually increased from 2021 to 2023. The highest proportion of pediatric TB was seen in children aged 1 to 4 years, and pulmonary TB was the most common clinical manifestation.
Of the 16,414 pediatric TB cases reported between 2015 and 2023, the average was 1,946 cases per year. Notably, 17 countries reported a ≥5% increase in the proportion of pediatric TB notifications in at least one age group.
Infants and young children diagnosed with TB were predominantly born in the diagnosing country, while young adolescents were often born outside the reporting country. Drug-resistant pediatric TB remained rare.
The researchers note that this increase coincides with a rise in TB notifications among adults over 15 years old, a trend also observed in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Potential contributing factors, such as improved diagnosis and reporting, social risk factors, and population movement changes, were considered. However, the study authors emphasize that “our analysis of TB surveillance data could not single out a specific explanation for the increase.”
Despite the relatively low numbers of pediatric cases, the report stresses the importance of “strengthened surveillance, prompt contact tracing and preventive measures” to limit potential ongoing TB transmission.
“As young children have an increased risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) disease during the first year after infection, childhood TB serves as an indicator of ongoing transmission within a community.” the researchers stated.
More information can be found in the Eurosurveillance publication: Veronica Cristea et al., “Increase in tuberculosis among children and young adolescents, European Union/European Economic Area, 2015 to 2023.”
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided in the referenced Eurosurveillance publication. The information presented is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to their health or treatment. The interpretation and conclusions drawn from the study data are those of the researchers and may not reflect the views of all experts. The authors of the original study acknowledge that they were unable to determine a specific cause for the increase.
More information: Veronica Cristea et al, Increase in tuberculosis among children and young adolescents, European Union/European Economic Area, 2015 to 2023, Eurosurveillance (2025). DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.11.2500172. www.eurosurveillance.org/conte … S.2025.30.11.2500172
