Uijeongbu City Health Center to Officially Implement Latent Tuberculosis Screening Program Starting from March

Uijeongbu City Health Center (Director Jeon Gwang-yong) will officially launch a latent tuberculosis screening program starting from March, targeting daycare center teachers and healthcare workers who work in group facilities with high transmission risk if tuberculosis develops.

Latent tuberculosis refers to a condition where a person is infected with tuberculosis bacteria but shows no clinical symptoms and does not transmit 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, workers in group facilities are now legally required to undergo latent tuberculosis screening.

If individuals are confirmed as infected through latent tuberculosis screening, preventive treatment can be provided free of charge with their consent, which can reduce the possibility of developing tuberculosis by up to 90%.

Uijeongbu City Health Center is conducting a survey on the current status and needs of latent tuberculosis screening subjects among daycare centers and medical institutions in group facilities, and is focusing on promoting smooth screening through entrusted testing institutions.

Director Jeon Gwang-yong of Uijeongbu City Health Center stated, "We expect that the latent tuberculosis screening program conducted for group facilities will make a significant contribution to reducing the national tuberculosis incidence rate by preventing tuberculosis development in advance, and we will establish a new framework for the national tuberculosis management project by strengthening preventive measures."

For inquiries regarding screening, you can contact the Health Center's Tuberculosis Division (031-828-4557) or the 1339 Call Center at any time.