Between 2019 and 2023, over 149,000 immigrants and asylum seekers were screened for tuberculosis upon arrival in the Netherlands. Thanks to this screening, 312 people with tuberculosis were quickly identified. This is evident from the evaluation of the screening conducted by the RIVM. For the first time, the results of follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection among immigrants over 18 years of age have also been analyzed. 13% of the immigrants examined were found to have an infection. 

Immigrants and asylum seekers from countries where tuberculosis is prevalent are required to be screened for tuberculosis upon arrival in the Netherlands. Immigrants and asylum seekers from countries where tuberculosis is most common and for whom disease and infection are not ruled out upon entry are offered follow-up screening. This allows the disease to be treated quickly, helping to limit further spread.

Entry and Follow-Up Screening

Between 2019 and 2023, 87,743 immigrants and 61,781 asylum seekers were screened for tuberculosis. During the entry screening, tuberculosis was diagnosed in 69 immigrants and 170 asylum seekers. During a follow-up screening, it was found that 32 immigrants and 41 asylum seekers had the disease. All 312 people with tuberculosis were offered treatment. 86% of these patients completed the treatment.

Follow-Up Screening for Tuberculosis Infection

For the first time, the results of follow-up screening for tuberculosis infection among immigrants over 18 years of age have also been analyzed. People with a tuberculosis infection are not sick or contagious, but they can become so without treatment. This can take time, sometimes even years. Of the 10,765 immigrants examined, 13% were found to have a tuberculosis infection. They were offered treatment to ensure they would not develop tuberculosis. Of the immigrants known to have received treatment, 65% completed the treatment.

About the Screening and Evaluation

The tuberculosis screening for immigrants and asylum seekers is conducted by the GGD Municipal Health Service (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst). The evaluation of the effectiveness of the screening was conducted by the RIVM and is repeated every five years.

More Information about Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacterium. The disease can be contagious if it is in the lungs. Want to know more? Visit Tuberculosis | RIVM.