TB forces Brussels authorities to open sanatorium

A sanatorium will soon open at Brussels’ Saint-Pierre hospital, based on the model of ‘convalescent homes’ and sanatoriums that existed until the 80s, De Standaard reports today. The authorities have taken a series of measures aimed at fighting against tuberculosis. TB cases are on the rise in Belgium; in 2011, 1,112 people were affected by the disease compared to 1,006 in 2008. "The problem has especially become important in Brussels," says Christiaan Decoster, CEO of Federal Public Service for Health. "The situation is caused by globalisation, migration and poverty."