The rising number of tuberculosis cases in Campinas, São Paulo, has become a concern, with a reported increase to 300 cases in 2025 compared to 290 in 2024 and 281 in 2023, alongside 29 new cases reported in January 2026. The municipal health authorities have identified two primary factors contributing to this resurgence: the abandonment of tuberculosis treatment and the ongoing consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many individuals avoided seeking medical assistance, which led to undiagnosed tuberculosis cases continuing to spread the infection.

Dr. Elda Motta from the Department of Health Surveillance noted that throughout the pandemic years, there was a significant reduction in healthcare visits, which prevented timely diagnoses and subsequent treatment of tuberculosis. This lack of attention to health services allowed active cases to go unchecked, thereby increasing the risk of transmission among the population. The situation has worsened, with an increasing number of patients presenting with more severe forms of the disease upon finally seeking treatment.

This alarming trend underscores the intersections between public health policies and the fallout from the pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address the re-emergence of tuberculosis. In light of this situation, health authorities are tasked with not only managing current cases but also improving preventive measures and encouraging individuals to seek timely medical care to prevent further outbreaks in the community.