For countries with a high burden of latent TB infection, such as China, having a vaccine to prevent the onset of disease would be crucial. The World Health Organization says the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted TB notifications. Photo: Shutterstock Images
For countries with a high burden of latent TB infection, such as China, having a vaccine to prevent the onset of disease would be crucial. The World Health Organization says the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted TB notifications. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Science
China /  Science

Covid-19 disrupts TB detection but new pandemic tools may aid China in tuberculosis fight

  • China is among the countries with the highest prevalence of latent TB, with around 20 to 30 per cent of the population living with the infection
  • Lessons learned since 2020 mean China can now collect thousands, even millions, of samples, rapidly test and contact trace: Gates Foundation TB expert

Zhuang Pinghui
Zhuang Pinghui in Beijing

Updated: 8:49pm, 22 Apr, 2022

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For countries with a high burden of latent TB infection, such as China, having a vaccine to prevent the onset of disease would be crucial. The World Health Organization says the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted TB notifications. Photo: Shutterstock Images
For countries with a high burden of latent TB infection, such as China, having a vaccine to prevent the onset of disease would be crucial. The World Health Organization says the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted TB notifications. Photo: Shutterstock Images
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