Yeongyang County Conducts 'Visiting Tuberculosis Screening' for Seniors Aged 65 and Over

On September 15, Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang Province, led by County Governor Oh Dochang, conducted a 'Visiting Tuberculosis Screening' in Ippam-myeon for residents aged 65 and over, aiming for early detection and treatment of tuberculosis.

This screening was organized as a preventive measure to protect the health of seniors, especially given the rising incidence of tuberculosis among the elderly and the difficulty many face in visiting medical institutions.

Yeongyang County Conducted 'Visiting Tuberculosis Screening' for Seniors Aged 65 and Over. Provided by Yeongyang County.

The screening was carried out in cooperation with the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Branch of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association's screening project team. Chest X-rays and real-time readings were performed, and individuals with suspected tuberculosis received on-site sputum tests to enable a swift response.

Tuberculosis is a respiratory infectious disease transmitted through the air via coughing, sneezing, or talking by tuberculosis patients. It can be completely cured with consistent treatment for more than six months. In particular, the disease usually loses its infectiousness about two weeks after treatment begins, making early detection and treatment especially important.

The Yeongyang County Public Health Center provides free chest X-ray and sputum tests year-round for residents who wish to be screened for tuberculosis. If someone is diagnosed with tuberculosis, ongoing management services are offered, including medication management and screening for family contacts.

County Governor Oh Dochang stated, "I strongly encourage all seniors aged 65 and over to receive a tuberculosis screening at least once a year, even if they have no symptoms," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to block the onset of tuberculosis early and to promote the health of our residents."