Western Cape records more than 53,000 active TB cases by August
The Western Cape health department says more than 53,000 active tuberculosis cases were reported by August as screening and patient tracking were expanded.
More than 53,000 active tuberculosis cases were recorded in the Western Cape by August 2026, according to the provincial health department.
The department said it had widened TB screening since 2023, including testing people who may not yet display symptoms. The programme prioritises close contacts of TB patients, people living with HIV and people who have previously had tuberculosis.
Children under five who have been exposed to TB are also being prioritised for preventive treatment, the department said.
TB screening is being integrated into maternal, child-health and HIV services. An electronic tracking system is also being used to help health workers follow up with patients after treatment begins.
The figure represents active cases reported during the year to August. The department did not provide a district-by-district breakdown in the information reviewed by EBNewsDaily.
DA provincial health spokesperson Memory Booysen said early diagnosis, prevention, community-based services and treatment support were needed to reduce transmission. His remarks were reported alongside the department's figures.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs. South Africa continues to carry a high TB burden, with screening and treatment completion central to the public-health response.
Preventive treatment is offered to people who have been exposed to TB but have not developed active disease. Integrating screening into other health services can identify patients during routine visits instead of relying only on people presenting specifically with TB symptoms.
The provincial programme's expanded approach is intended to identify infections earlier, including among people with a known exposure or an elevated risk of developing active disease.