59 cases in Lower Austria

Tuberculosis is not yet “defeated” here either

"Lung screenings help to detect TB in good time," emphasizes Health Minister Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig.(Bild: NLK Burchhart)

Tuberculosis is a serious disease that has lost none of its horror even today. 10 million people suffer from it worldwide. More than 50 cases were also recorded in Lower Austria last year. Two X-ray buses are used for screening. 

Tuberculosis - this diagnosis still sends shivers down the spine of those affected today. And Dr. Peter Schenk, head physician at the provincial hospital in Hochegg, Neunkirchen district, confirms: "If left untreated, tuberculosis can still lead to death." However: "The risk of contracting TB is low for healthy people here," reassures the head of the largest and most modern specialist lung department in Lower Austria.

Most common infectious disease
March 24 marks the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium in 1882 by the world-famous researcher Robert Koch. It was he who first made it possible to treat this disease, which until then had been fatal for many patients. Tuberculosis is still the most common infectious disease in the world today, with around 10 million people affected.

Tuberculosis is a serious challenge because the disease has recently become a major public health problem in Europe.

Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, Gesundheitslandesrätin

 Alcohol and immunodeficiency as a risk
In Lower Austria, the risk of contracting the disease is comparatively low. "However, caution is advised in the case of impaired immune defenses and for people suffering from alcoholism," explains Primar Schenk. War and flight also play a role in the spread of the disease nowadays, emphasizes Health Minister Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig.

Dr. Peter Schenk (2nd from right) with his team in the country's most modern specialist lung ward in Hochegg.(Bild: LK Hochegg)

X-ray buses in use
59 patients were recorded last year. "The fact that there are not more cases is thanks to good tuberculosis care," emphasizes the provincial councillor. This is ensured by two mobile X-ray units, which carry out lung screenings - also directly on site for people at risk.