Public Health Center, 'Cough is a Signal, Screening is Protection' Message
Early Detection of Tuberculosis Through Annual Regular Screening
The Health Administration Division of Yeoju City Public Health Center, Gyeonggi Province (Director Han Ji-yeon), announced on the 28th that it is intensively promoting the ‘Annual Free Tuberculosis Screening for those aged 65 and over’ to facilitate early detection of tuberculosis patients among the elderly.
Based on the message ‘Cough = Signal, Screening = Protection,’ the health center emphasizes the importance of protecting the health of yourself, your family, and your neighbors by detecting tuberculosis early through regular annual screenings.
Last year, the total number of tuberculosis patients in South Korea was 19,540, a 4.1% decrease compared to 20,383 in 2022; however, the number of tuberculosis patients aged 65 and over increased by 0.1% compared to 2022. In particular, the proportion of tuberculosis patients aged 65 and over has been increasing annually, and in Yeoju City as well, the proportion of new tuberculosis patients aged 65 and over last year was 60.7%, showing a high incidence rate among the elderly.
The free tuberculosis screening for seniors aged 65 and over is ongoing throughout the year. To receive the screening, bring your ID and visit the tuberculosis clinic on the first floor of Yeoju City Public Health Center.
A health center official emphasized, “Elderly people have weakened immunity and are at higher risk of developing tuberculosis, and they may not show typical tuberculosis symptoms, so regular tuberculosis screening is important.” They also urged, “If you have symptoms such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, or loss of appetite, please be sure to get a tuberculosis screening.”
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