Tuberculosis and travel

Tuberculosis is still frequently found in eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Central and South America. If you are travelling to one of these locations, you are advised to take measures if you:

will be away for longer than 3 months or if you make regular short trips;
have a lot of contact with certain high-risk groups. The GGD can advise you about this.
will be travelling with a child younger than 5 years;
have a lowered resistance.

Contact the GGD at least 8 weeks prior to your departure (or as soon as possible).

Advice per country can be found In Dutch on The National Travel Advice Coordination Centre (LCR).

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What can you do to prevent tuberculosis?

The GGD advises you take the following measures:

Undergo a Tuberculin skin test or Mantoux test, if necessary, 1 week before and 8 weeks after your trip. If you test positive after your trip (and negative before the trip) you will receive medicine to prevent you from becoming ill. More information about this can be found in the Tuberculin skin test folder (PDF, 33kB) published by the KNVC Tuberculosis Fund.
A BCG vaccine at least 6 weeks before your departure. This is only possible if you never had a previous BCG vaccine and you were never previously infected with the tuberculosis bacterium.

Vaccination for migrants’ children

Children whose parents come from a country where tuberculosis is widespread, and who regularly visit their homeland, are eligible for free BCG vaccination. This is because tuberculosis can make small children very ill. More info can be found on the page about BCG vaccination.

Watch out for signs even after your trip

The GGD advises all travellers to a country with widespread tuberculosis to remain alert, for up to 2 years after their trip, for coughing complaints lasting for more than 3 weeks.