[Recognize tuberculosis--prevent outbreak]

Abstract

Introduction: The number of tuberculosis cases in Finland has decreased. Cases among immigrants have, however, increased, and the disease may not be recognized early enough.

Methods: We describe four group exposures to tuberculosis that occurred in Finland, the index patient coming from a country with a high incidence rate of tuberculosis.

Results: Over 900 persons were exposed to tuberculosis. Coordination of the surveys was hampered by the fact that several healthcare operators participated in the study. Three index patients had drug-resistant tuberculosis, one of which was multidrug resistant.

Conclusions: Extensive operations of tracking and prevention could have been avoided, if the symptoms would have been recognized earlier.