Tuberculosis raises alarms in Santander prisons: 346 cases detected this year

A figure that represents nearly 35% of the cases reported in the territory. The situation has forced a reinforcement of controls. Last year, there was a sharp increase in tuberculosis cases in Colombia. Photo: iStock / EL TIEMPO PERIODIST11.11.2026 19:25 Updated: 11.11.2026 19:25 Throughout 2026, health authorities have confirmed nearly 1,200 cases of this disease in the department, of which 346 correspond to inmates, a population considered especially vulnerable due to overcrowding conditions and constant movement between penitentiaries. According to the Secretary of Health for Santander, Edwin Prada, the highest registrations are concentrated in the La Modelo prison in Bucaramanga, followed by the penitentiaries in Palogordo, Girón, and San Gil. "So far this year, around 1,200 confirmed cases of tuberculosis have been diagnosed, 346 of which are in prisons. We start with the La Modelo prison in Bucaramanga, followed by Palogordo, Girón, and later San Gil," the official stated. Although authorities did not provide the exact number of cases for each penitentiary, they acknowledged that more than a quarter of the contagions reported in Santander are concentrated in these establishments. **Transfers of inmates are driving contagions** According to Prada, one of the factors explaining the increase in cases is the transfer of inmates between different prisons in the country. "There has possibly been an increase due to the transfers of some prisoners who come from one prison to another with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, and when they are diagnosed, they test positive," he affirmed. The secretary clarified that the presence of tuberculosis in penitentiaries is not a recent phenomenon. However, the detection of new cases through active search campaigns and screenings has led to the reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance measures. **Alert over increase in cases in Palogordo** The concern is especially focused on the Palogordo prison, where an increase in diagnoses has been identified in recent months. "Last year we had an outbreak at the La Modelo prison. Right now, some cases have been identified in increase at the Palogordo prison and in all prisons in general," noted Prada. The official explained that the 346 cases detected among the prison population represent nearly 35% of the confirmed registrations during the year, which is why authorities maintain permanent vigilance to prevent further spread. **Isolation and treatment to prevent more contagions** Faced with the situation, the Santander Health Secretariat works in coordination with municipal secretariats and the penitentiary system to promptly identify infected patients. Actions include screening campaigns, early diagnosis, isolation of positive cases, and follow-up on medical treatments. "That is what quick action is about: identifying them, isolating them, and giving them the appropriate management," explained the secretary. Prada highlighted that, despite the epidemiological risks, the prison population has an advantage over other vulnerable groups because it is possible to guarantee compliance with treatments by remaining in a fixed location. **Homeless residents, another focus of concern** Health authorities are also monitoring the homeless population, where disease control is more complex. It is identified using molecular diagnostic methods. According to Prada, the permanent mobility of these individuals makes it difficult to follow up on treatments and ensure they complete the medical schemes. "There are other difficult cases, such as homeless individuals. Due to their wandering, managing them is a bit difficult," he stated. Added to this is that several patients present co-infections with HIV, a combination that significantly increases the risk of complications and mortality. "Many times they are in co-infection with other pathologies such as HIV, which we know has high mortality when combined with tuberculosis," he added. **Cases imported from abroad** The Health Secretariat has also detected patients with tuberculosis originating from other countries, including some cases of Colombians who returned from Europe and the United States after having difficulty accessing treatments or completing their medical processes. Authorities assured that these patients are being incorporated into established care routes to prevent new contagions and guarantee therapeutic continuity. As control actions advance, the Health Secretariat reiterated the call to consult medical services promptly for symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, or excessive sweating, signs that could be associated with tuberculosis and whose early detection is key to breaking chains of transmission.