World Tuberculosis Day: How to Protect Children?

On March 24th, World Tuberculosis Day is observed worldwide – an important occasion to draw attention to one of the infectious diseases that continue to affect even the youngest. Pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Zheni Stoichkova warns that tuberculosis has not disappeared and remains a serious health problem among children in Bulgaria.

According to her, despite a decrease in morbidity compared to previous decades, cases of tuberculosis are registered annually in children aged 0 to 17 years. In the last two years alone, the registered cases among this age group have increased, showing that the risk has not passed.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their immunity is still developing, and infection is often transmitted from adults in the family environment. Children who are in prolonged contact with patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis are at the highest risk, as are newborns and young children under 5 years of age, in whom severe forms of the disease can be life-threatening.

According to the expert, diagnosis in children is more complex than in adults because young children often cannot produce sputum for microbiological examination. Therefore, a tuberculin skin test (Mantoux) and IGRA blood tests are used, and X-ray examination remains an important part of the diagnostic process.

Prevention, Dr. Stoichkova emphasizes, begins with BCG vaccination in the first days after birth. Although the vaccine does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe forms of the disease in young children. Early recognition of symptoms – persistent cough, loss of appetite, night sweats, low-grade fever, or unexplained fatigue – is crucial for timely medical evaluation and treatment.

“My message to parents on March 24th is for awareness, not panic. Do not neglect mandatory vaccinations and be attentive to persistent and unusual symptoms in your child. Tuberculosis is successfully treated with early diagnosis and proper treatment,” appeals the pediatric pulmonologist.