Why this matters
On December 7, Ukrainian singer Mykhailo Klymenko — the founder and frontman of the band Adam — died. His life was taken by the disease tuberculous meningitis. This tragedy is a reminder: even rare forms of tuberculosis can be fatal if the diagnosis is late or treatment is not started in time. The Ministry of Health, in response to a request from LIGA.net, explained in detail what this disease is and how to protect against it — these practical recommendations matter for everyone.
What is tuberculous meningitis
Tuberculous meningitis is an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis in which the mycobacterium causes inflammation of the membranes of the brain. It occurs rarely — less than 0.5% of all tuberculosis cases — but it is extremely severe.
"That is, a person who is ill only with extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis, including tuberculous meningitis without lung involvement, does not pose a danger to others, since they do not release the tuberculosis pathogen."
— Ministry of Health of Ukraine (response to LIGA.net)
Why it is often diagnosed late
Symptoms of tuberculous meningitis can resemble other neurological diseases, and routine instrumental examinations (for example, MRI) do not always show characteristic changes. Because of this, diagnosis is sometimes delayed, and the correct diagnosis is often confirmed only by detecting the mycobacterium with a rapid molecular‑genetic test.
Who is at risk
- People with weakened immunity — HIV, congenital immunodeficiencies, immunosuppressive therapy.
- People with chronic illnesses and harmful habits.
- Those who have prolonged contact with an untreated person with tuberculosis.
- People with nutritional deficiencies.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
The Ministry of Health emphasizes: there are practical steps that reduce the risk of severe forms of tuberculosis. First, the BCG vaccine, which is given in the maternity ward after birth, effectively protects children from the most severe forms, including tuberculous meningitis. However, its protection in adulthood is weaker — this should be kept in mind.
Second, for people in risk groups an annual chest X-ray is recommended — this allows pulmonary forms of tuberculosis to be detected at an early stage. If there are symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (a cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, night sweats, weight loss, shortness of breath) — contact your family doctor without delay.
Third, before prescribing preventive treatment for risk groups, infection should be confirmed — the Mantoux test, an interferon‑gamma release assay (IGRA) or new skin tests that are expected to become available in Ukraine from 2026. Experts stress: prevention should be based on testing to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Brief practical checklist
- Check children’s vaccination status — whether they received BCG at birth.
- For people in risk groups — an annual chest X-ray and testing for latent infection.
- If a cough lasts more than two weeks or you have the symptoms mentioned above — see your family doctor.
- If you have been in contact with a person with untreated tuberculosis — inform medical staff and undergo an examination.
Summary
Death from a rare form of tuberculosis is a sad reminder that the fight against this disease requires a systemic approach: vaccination, timely diagnosis, focus on risk groups and access to tests. This is a matter of family and public health: awareness and simple preventive steps save lives.
