Uijeongbu City Health Center Launches Full-Scale Latent TB Screening Program Starting March

The Uijeongbu City Health Center (Director Jeon Gwang-yong) plans to launch a full-scale latent tuberculosis screening program starting in March, targeting childcare teachers and healthcare workers at group facilities with high transmission risk in the event of TB onset.

Latent tuberculosis refers to a state in which a person is infected with tuberculosis bacteria but shows no clinical symptoms and does not transmit the disease to others. However, if immunity weakens, there is a possibility of developing active tuberculosis. Following amendments to the Tuberculosis Prevention Act enforcement rules last year, group facility workers are now legally required to undergo latent TB screening.

When individuals are identified as infected through latent TB screening, they can receive preventive treatment free of charge with their consent. This can reduce the possibility of developing TB by up to 90%.

The Uijeongbu City Health Center is conducting surveys on the status and demands of latent TB screening targets among group facilities, particularly childcare centers and medical institutions, and is focusing on publicity to ensure screening progresses smoothly through contracted testing institutions.

Jeon Gwang-yong, Director of the Uijeongbu City Health Center, stated, "We expect this latent TB screening program targeting group facilities to make a significant contribution to lowering the national TB incidence rate by preventing TB outbreaks in advance, and we will establish a new framework for national TB management that strengthens preventive measures."

For inquiries regarding screening, people can contact the Health Center's TB Division (031-828-4557) or the 1339 call center at any time.