A sharp increase in tuberculosis cases in Spain in 2024 has become a worrying sign for the country’s healthcare system. According to official data from the Ministry of Health, the number of new cases has risen by 8.3% compared to the previous year, directly affecting the epidemiological situation and requiring a revision of prevention and treatment strategies. This trend is particularly striking given the global decline in incidence rates, which sets Spain and Europe as a whole apart from other regions.
In 2024, 4,270 new tuberculosis cases were reported among the local population, corresponding to 8.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite this increase, the figures have not yet reached the levels seen in 2015, but the trend is causing concern among specialists. The Ministry of Health notes that the surge began back in 2022 and has remained steady since then. According to russpain.com, these changes could place additional pressure on healthcare facilities and increase treatment costs.
Geography and trends
Among the autonomous communities, the highest incidence rates have been recorded in Ceuta — 27.6 cases per 100,000 people, Cataluña — 14.4, Galicia — 11.5, and País Vasco — 10.6. Over the past decade, the greatest increases have been noted in Ceuta, Extremadura, La Rioja, and Cataluña, where the number of cases has risen, in contrast to most other regions. Meanwhile, Melilla, Navarra, and Galicia have seen a significant reduction in cases — up to 59% compared to 2015.
Nearly half of all tuberculosis cases in 2024 are people born outside Spain. Out of 4,270 cases, 2,070 involve foreigners, with the majority being men aged 25 to 34. The main countries of origin are Marrocos, Perú, Colombia, Senegal, Pakistán, Rumanía, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Nine nationalities account for more than 70% of cases among foreigners, highlighting the significant impact of migration on tuberculosis epidemiology.
Age and characteristics
Although tuberculosis has traditionally been considered a disease of adults, 2024 saw a noticeable increase in cases among children under 15. A total of 269 cases were registered, one more than in 2023. The upward trend among minors is particularly concerning, as children are more likely to face complications and require prolonged monitoring.
Men account for 64.4% of all cases, with a median age of 47; among women, the median age is 43. This pattern highlights the need to adapt prevention programs to age and gender-specific factors.
Diagnosis and treatment challenges
According to the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, around 20% of all tuberculosis cases in Europe go undetected. In 2024, 161,569 new cases were officially registered in the region, representing only 79% of the estimated number of people affected. Insufficient diagnosis means that many infected individuals do not receive timely treatment and continue to spread the infection.
In Spain, preliminary data shows that 70.3% of patients completed treatment successfully. However, in 22.13% of cases, the outcome of therapy remained unknown, highlighting the need for better patient monitoring and follow-up. High levels of drug resistance persist across Europe, making the fight against the disease more difficult and requiring the introduction of new treatment protocols.
In recent years, Europe has seen an increase in tuberculosis cases amid migration flows and the aftermath of the pandemic. Similar surges were recorded in Germany and France in 2023–2024, with a rising number of cases among migrants and children. Several regions of Spain are running pilot projects focused on early diagnosis and prevention, but experts still offer mixed assessments of their effectiveness. Overall, the situation calls for a comprehensive approach and ongoing monitoring to prevent further spread of the infection and reduce public health risks.
