Tuberculosis remains a public health issue in Europe as the region falls behind elimination targets, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The report warns that one in five cases goes undiagnosed, while drug resistance continues to exceed global averages.

Although the overall number of TB cases has declined, progress toward elimination remains insufficient. Tuberculosis, an infectious disease spread when an individual with pulmonary TB expels bacteria through coughing, is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Across the WHO European Region, which covers 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, TB incidence has fallen by 39 percent since 2015, and deaths have dropped by 49 percent. These figures fall short of the WHO’s End TB Strategy 2025 milestones of 50 percent reduction in cases and 75 percent reduction in deaths.

Within the European Union, cases have decreased by 33 percent and deaths by 17 percent, insufficient to meet the 2030 targets. Health authorities note this gap has led to thousands of preventable infections and fatalities. In 2024, more than 160,000 newly diagnosed TB cases were reported, while the estimated actual number of cases was 204,000, meaning only 79 percent were officially notified.

Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said undiagnosed cases represent missed opportunities to treat patients earlier and curb transmission. “By investing in rapid diagnosis, shorter all-oral treatment regimens and stronger follow-up, countries can reach more people earlier, improve outcomes and put us back on track toward our targets,” he said. Delayed diagnosis increases treatment difficulty and heightens the risk of spreading the disease.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a major challenge. Multi-drug resistant TB among new and previously treated cases stands at 23 percent and 51 percent, respectively, far above the global averages of 3.2 percent and 16 percent. Standard treatment for non-resistant TB typically lasts six months with success rates above 85 percent, but resistant variants require longer, more complex regimens with lower success rates.

Most European countries now report low TB incidence, with notification rates below 10 per 100,000. The disease mainly affects vulnerable populations, including migrants, prison inmates, and people with HIV co-infections. Ralf Otto-Knapp of the German Central Committee against Tuberculosis warned that lower overall case numbers in Western Europe have led to decreased attention, making it harder to combat multidrug-resistant TB. “We must strengthen treatment and prevention services, ensure easy access to new medicines and foster cross-border cooperation,” he said.

The report underscores that without urgent action on diagnosis, treatment, and drug resistance, Europe risks falling further behind its TB elimination goals, putting vulnerable communities at heightened risk.

The number of confirmed cases in the Kent meningitis B outbreak has fallen to 29 following laboratory reclassification, according to United Kingdom health authorities. This marks a decrease from the 34 cases reported on Saturday, according to the latest update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The number of confirmed deaths remains at two. One victim was a 21-year-old student at the University of Kent, and the other a sixth-form pupil from nearby Faversham.

“Some cases initially classified as confirmed have been reclassified following further laboratory results and clinical investigation,” the agency said on Sunday. The UKHSA expects additional probable cases may also be downgraded in the coming days as further laboratory assessments are completed.

Sherine Thomas, infectious diseases consultant at UKHSA, said authorities are maintaining close monitoring and working with NHS England and local authorities to respond rapidly to any new cases. “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country, to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible,” Thomas said.

The outbreak has raised concerns in Kent, particularly among families and educational institutions. Health authorities have reiterated that children born before May 1, 2015, are not eligible for the MenB vaccine unless they fall into a clinical risk group. Parents and guardians have been urged to seek medical advice if they notice symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, or neck stiffness.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk to the general population in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) as very low, citing the small probability of exposure and infection. Public health officials in the UK continue to emphasize that while the outbreak remains serious locally, the threat to the broader population is minimal.

Local authorities in Kent have also increased awareness campaigns and targeted vaccination programs in affected areas, focusing on schools and universities. Healthcare providers have been advised to be vigilant for early symptoms and to provide timely treatment to prevent severe outcomes.

The UKHSA stressed that maintaining close monitoring, rapid laboratory testing, and vaccination of at-risk groups remain central to controlling the outbreak. Families in the region have expressed relief at the reduction in confirmed cases but remain cautious as investigations continue.

The agency continues to advise the public that early detection and medical attention are crucial in managing meningitis B, which can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications if untreated.