Jungnang-gu, Tuberculosis Screening and Prevention Education for Seniors

Tuberculosis Prevention Education for Vulnerable Elderly and Care Workers by Visiting Elderly Care Facilities Directly

Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) will visit elderly care facilities directly to provide tuberculosis prevention education for seniors until September.

As of last year, seniors aged 65 and older accounted for 50% of new tuberculosis patients in Jungnang-gu. The district determined that tuberculosis screening for the elderly is crucial and prepared this education to do its best in preventing tuberculosis among seniors.

The district will visit 13 locations including daycare centers, senior welfare centers, and nursing homes to conduct education targeting vulnerable health groups and care workers. The program started in July and has received great responses from the elderly.

The education is led by professional instructors who help participants understand the basics of tuberculosis, including its main symptoms, transmission routes, diagnosis, and treatment. It also focuses on latent tuberculosis infection screening and treatment education tailored to the audience, guidance on treatment institutions, and the importance of regular check-ups.

The district plans to continue actively promoting tuberculosis prevention education and awareness by visiting facilities frequently used by seniors, such as senior centers.

In addition, Jungnang-gu offers free tuberculosis screening (chest X-ray) for seniors. They can visit the tuberculosis screening room on the 2nd floor of Jungnang-gu Public Health Center for the examination. Those who test positive will receive free medication treatment and follow-up services at the health center and local tuberculosis cooperative medical institutions.

Ryu Gyeong-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “Early detection is the most important factor in tuberculosis, so it is essential to undergo regular screenings and follow preventive measures. We will continue to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of management among seniors to reduce the tuberculosis incidence rate in Jungnang-gu and create a safe and healthy community for all.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.