The Public Health Agency of Catalonia is investigating a tuberculosis outbreak involving over 25 people in Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Valls, and the north metropolitan area.
The outbreak originated from a 23-year-old woman with social vulnerabilities and drug use history who was diagnosed in December 2022. Due to social instability, she intermittently abandoned treatment, potentially infecting others over a year and a half. Despite challenges, 25 cases were treated between 2022 and 2024, with 15 in the Barcelona South Health Region. Public Health officials are monitoring for possible new cases, as tuberculosis symptoms can take up to 10 years to develop. The ongoing investigation raises concerns about the management of tuberculosis in vulnerable populations and the importance of timely treatment.
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