Damyang County Offers Free On-Site Tuberculosis Screening

Targeting High-Risk Groups Aged 65 and Older

Damyang County will conduct a "Visiting Free Screening" for early detection of tuberculosis patients targeting elderly job project participants and senior citizens at community centers over two days starting from the 19th. Provided by Damyang County

Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 18th that it will conduct "visiting tuberculosis screenings" for participants in senior job programs and elderly residents at senior centers, who are considered high-risk groups for tuberculosis, starting from the 19th.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease transmitted through the air by coughing or sneezing. Its main symptoms include a cough, sputum, fever, and weight loss lasting more than two weeks, but early screening is crucial as some cases may be asymptomatic. In 2023, out of 19,540 tuberculosis patients, 11,309 (57.9%) were aged 65 or older, and the incidence among the elderly is increasing every year.

The screening will be conducted in cooperation with the Gwangju-Jeonnam branch of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association, using a mobile screening vehicle for chest X-rays and real-time interpretation. Suspected cases will undergo additional sputum tests on-site. Based on the results, the county will link patients to medical institutions for medication and treatment management, monitor for drug side effects, and provide continuous care to ensure complete recovery.

During last year's screening, 46 out of 673 participants with suspected findings underwent additional tests, and all were confirmed negative. The county plans to screen about 300 participants in senior job programs and elderly residents at senior centers on the 19th and 20th, and will continue screenings throughout the year.

An official from the county stated, "Tuberculosis can easily develop in the elderly whose immune systems are weak, so regular screening is important. Seniors aged 65 and older can receive an annual screening at the public health center, so we strongly encourage everyone to visit and get tested to prevent tuberculosis."