Screenings to Be Conducted at 11 Locations Including Senior Community Centers and Welfare Centers
The Jeongeup City Public Health Center in North Jeolla Province will conduct on-site tuberculosis screenings this year for seniors aged 65 and over.
According to the health center on the 17th, this screening aims to provide opportunities for seniors, who are considered a high-risk group for tuberculosis, to be tested, and to contribute to the prevention and control of tuberculosis through early detection and treatment.
Jeongeup City Public Health Center will conduct outreach tuberculosis screening for seniors aged 65 and over this year. Provided by Jeongeup City
Last year, the city visited 122 locations including senior welfare centers, senior community centers, and adult day care centers, screening 2,275 people. They have been working to prevent tuberculosis through additional testing and continuous management of those with suspected cases.
This year, starting from today, screenings will be carried out in earnest at 10 locations including Sanwoo Senior Community Center in Deokcheon-myeon and one home welfare center.
The screenings are conducted in cooperation with the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province branch of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association. A screening team equipped with mobile equipment visits the sites, performs chest X-rays, and provides real-time remote readings. Those with suspected findings undergo additional sputum tests to diagnose tuberculosis, and all screening costs are fully covered.
This screening is especially designed to visit those who have difficulty moving, such as seniors with mobility issues or those living alone, making it easier for those unable to visit hospitals. Along with providing quick results, infection prevention education is also offered, receiving a positive response.
Tuberculosis ranks first in prevalence and third in mortality among OECD countries, and the proportion of patients aged 65 and over continues to rise, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
Symptoms of tuberculosis infection include coughing for more than two weeks, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Since tuberculosis bacteria are transmitted through the air, prevention and early detection are crucial.
Son Heekyung, the director of the public health center, said, "Seniors aged 65 and over, who have a high incidence of tuberculosis, should receive a screening once a year even if they have no symptoms. I hope many seniors will actively participate in this free screening to protect their health."
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