
15 Lakh Asymptomatic TB Cases Detected In India; Can You Have Tuberculosis Without A Cough Or Fever?
What Happened?
The Union Health Ministry reported nearly 15 lakh asymptomatic tuberculosis cases in India. This raises questions about the nature of TB and its silent spread.
Key points
- 15 lakh people in India diagnosed with TB without symptoms.
- TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan screened over 25 crore people from December 2024 to November 2026.
- 31% of new TB cases were asymptomatic.
- India's TB death rate fell from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 18 per lakh in 2025.
- Asymptomatic TB is active but shows no symptoms.
- Coughing is not the only way TB spreads; normal breathing can also release TB germs.
Key insights
- Asymptomatic TB may contribute significantly to TB transmission.
- Women are more likely to have TB without typical symptoms.
- Early screening can help identify silent cases before they spread.
Why it matters
Understanding asymptomatic TB is crucial for early detection and treatment.
Source
Times Now


