Tuberculosis cases in the Netherlands hit nine-year high, RIVM reports
Tuberculosis cases in the Netherlands surged by 13% in 2025, reaching the highest level in nine years. The rise, driven by asylum seekers and migrants from high-risk countries, highlights the need for early screening and treatment to protect public health.
| Key Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Total tuberculosis cases (2025) | 869 |
| Increase compared to 2024 | 13% |
| Asylum seekers diagnosed | 161 (more than double vs. 2024) |
| Tuberculosis infections (2025) | 1,652 |
| Increase in infections | 9% |
| Patients born abroad | 82% |
| Top countries of origin | Eritrea (181), Ethiopia (59), Somalia (54) |
The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) monitors and reports on infectious diseases like tuberculosis in the Netherlands. It advises the government on screening policies and public health measures to control the spread of such diseases.
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RIVM: The care for tomorrow starts today
The number of people with tuberculosis in the Netherlands rose last year to the highest level in nine years. This is evident from the key figures on tuberculosis published annually by RIVM on World Tuberculosis Day.
In 2025, 869 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis. This represents a 13% increase compared to 2024 and is the highest number since 2016.
Increase among asylum seekers
The rise in tuberculosis cases is largely linked to the influx of people from countries where tuberculosis is prevalent. For example, 161 of the patients were asylum seekers who had been in the Netherlands for less than six months at the time of diagnosis. This is more than double the 75 cases recorded in 2024.
Mandatory screening
People entering the Netherlands from countries where tuberculosis is common are required to undergo screening for the disease. This allows for early detection and treatment, preventing further spread. Around 82% of tuberculosis patients in the Netherlands in 2025 were born abroad. Most of these came from Eritrea (181), followed by Ethiopia (59) and Somalia (54).
Rise in tuberculosis infections
Not everyone infected with the tuberculosis bacterium develops the disease. If someone carries the bacterium without falling ill, this is referred to as a tuberculosis infection. The number of new tuberculosis infections in 2025 was 1,652, a 9% increase compared to 2024.
Changing screening policy
In recent years, more people from countries where tuberculosis is common have been screened for tuberculosis infections. About 10% of these infections progress to active tuberculosis. By detecting and treating infections early with medication, the risk of developing the disease is significantly reduced.
World Tuberculosis Day
On March 24, 1882, German physician and microbiologist Robert Koch announced his discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium. A century later, this day was designated World Tuberculosis Day to raise awareness of the fight against the disease. While tuberculosis is treatable with medication in the Netherlands, globally, 1.5 million people still die from the disease each year.