kathimerini.gr
Tuberculosis Cases Surge 54% in Greece in 2023
Greece saw a 54% rise in tuberculosis cases in 2023 (493 vs. 320 in 2022), exceeding the rate of 2014, impacting mainly young immigrants and older Greeks, prompting calls for improved detection and prevention.
- What is the significance of the 54% increase in tuberculosis cases in Greece in 2023 compared to 2022?
- In 2023, Greece recorded 493 active tuberculosis cases, a 54% increase from 2022's 320 cases. This surge follows a global post-COVID-19 trend, with Greece's incidence rate reaching its highest since 2014 at 4.71 cases per 100,000.
- How do the demographic patterns of tuberculosis cases in Greece differ between Greek citizens and foreign nationals?
- The increase disproportionately affected foreigners (53%) compared to Greeks (47%), reversing a long-term decline in domestic cases. This rise is attributed to underreporting and increased cases among immigrants from high-incidence countries, particularly affecting young adults (15-24).
- What are the key challenges and proposed solutions to address the rising tuberculosis cases in Greece and meet the WHO's 2035 eradication goal?
- Greece's tuberculosis resurgence highlights the need for improved case detection and a comprehensive national prevention plan. The creation of a national tuberculosis patient registry, coupled with increased funding and innovative solutions, aims to meet the WHO's 90% reduction target by 2035. Addressing underreporting and focusing on vulnerable groups are crucial.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of the increase in tuberculosis cases, highlighting the rise in numbers and the highest rate since 2014. The inclusion of quotes from health officials and the mention of the World Tuberculosis Day further reinforce the seriousness of the situation. While presenting data on the increase, it does not significantly downplay the ongoing efforts to control the disease.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual, presenting statistical data and expert opinions. Terms such as "significant increase" and "highest rate since 2014" are descriptive but not overtly charged. There's no use of loaded language to unduly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the increase in tuberculosis cases in Greece in 2023 compared to 2022, providing statistics and expert opinions. However, it omits discussion of potential contributing factors beyond the post-COVID-19 context, such as socioeconomic factors, healthcare access disparities, or specific public health interventions implemented (or lacking) in Greece. While acknowledging underreporting, it doesn't delve into the reasons for this underreporting, which could be crucial for understanding the true scale of the problem. The article also omits details on the types of interventions proposed by the Hellenic Pulmonology Society beyond creating a registry.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a significant increase in tuberculosis cases in Greece in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating a setback in efforts to improve population health and control infectious diseases. The increase is linked to the post-COVID-19 period and highlights challenges in diagnosis and treatment access. The underreporting of cases further complicates efforts to accurately assess the health impact and implement effective control measures.