KDCA and NHIS to Actively Manage Latent Tuberculosis Infection Cases Through Data Integration

Improved Efficiency and Reliability in Tuberculosis Management

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) announced on June 26 that they have linked the KDCA's information on individuals with latent tuberculosis infection with the NHIS's treatment records in order to strengthen tuberculosis prevention and management.

Latent tuberculosis infection refers to a condition in which a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has a small number of live bacteria in the body, but does not show clinical symptoms of tuberculosis, does not excrete the bacteria, and therefore cannot transmit the disease to others and has not developed active tuberculosis. If the immune system becomes weakened, the infection can develop into active tuberculosis at any time. However, treatment can prevent tuberculosis in up to 90% of cases.

The KDCA stated that, with this system integration, it can now accurately verify treatment histories, allowing for more efficient management of individuals receiving treatment for latent tuberculosis infection. Previously, public health centers managed information on individuals with latent tuberculosis infection receiving treatment at medical institutions based on self-reported information from the patients. Going forward, it will also be possible to actively manage those who have not received treatment or have discontinued treatment.

KDCA Commissioner Jee Youngmee said, "With this system integration, we expect that the administrative burden on local governments responsible for managing individuals with latent tuberculosis infection will be reduced, while the efficiency and reliability of tuberculosis management information will be enhanced. We will continue to work closely with the NHIS to eradicate tuberculosis nationwide."