Asymptomatic TB is a major health risk: Health Department

X-ray of lungs.

2 minutes

The Health Department says individuals with TB who do not show symptoms are a major concern as they unknowingly spread the disease and are less likely to go for testing. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death globally.

In 2023, South Africa recorded 270 000 new TB cases leading to 56 000 deaths. This emerged at the End TB Campaign Media Workshop underway in Sandton, Johannesburg. The workshop is being held ahead of World TB Day on Monday next week.

National Health Department’s Chief Director for TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, says the high number of asymptomatic cases is changing the way TB needs to be tackled.

“And these people are transmitting the disease. That’s the problem. We picked up that in South Africa, 58% of the people with TB in this study were not showing any symptoms. This is very serious, it changes the whole rationale of before you test, you must find symptoms. You may have people who are okay, no sign of symptoms but transmit the disease. Now that is very challenging,” says Ndjeka.

[WATCH] Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi says that tuberculosis (TB) can affect any part of the body, not solely the lungs. pic.twitter.com/VBEoTtY9KF

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 19, 2025

TUBERCULOSIS CAN AFFECT ANYONE! 🫁 Early detection saves lives. Join @HealthZA partners & @WHOSouthAfrica to end #Tuberculosis by getting tested today. Every person tested is a step towards a TB-Free Future! Breath Easy. pic.twitter.com/mE73uEjjYA

— WHO South Africa (@WHOSouthAfrica) March 19, 2025