讀後心得

The Health Bureau reminds that if preventive treatment is received before developing tuberculosis after being infected, it can significantly reduce the risk of future illness and decrease the chance of transmitting the disease to others. In response to "World Tuberculosis Day," the Pingtung County Government will hold the event "Raise Your Hand Together for Screening, Say Goodbye to Tuberculosis" from now until May 24. This event encourages contacts who have not undergone testing for latent tuberculosis infection to go to health stations for blood tests. Latent tuberculosis infection carries a 5 to 10% risk of progressing to tuberculosis over a lifetime, but early testing and treatment can reduce this risk by up to 90%. The event will provide opportunities for a lottery, with limited spots available. If symptoms such as cough or chest pain appear, one should seek medical examination as soon as possible. For more details, please check the Health Bureau's official website.

Receiving preventive treatment before symptoms appear during infection can significantly reduce the risk of future disease and decrease the chance of transmission to family and friends.

March 24 each year is "World Tuberculosis Day." The Health Bureau of Pingtung County Government responds to the World Health Organization's goal of "eliminating tuberculosis by 2035." From now until May 24, it will jointly hold the event "Raise Your Hand to Screen, Say Goodbye to Tuberculosis" with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control. This event encourages those who have never undergone latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing and are tuberculosis contacts to visit nearby health centers for blood tests to confirm their health status as soon as possible.

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) refers to a state where the tuberculosis bacteria are encapsulated in granulation tissue in the lungs after infection. At this point, the immune system can still resist the bacteria, and the individual has not developed tuberculosis and exhibits no symptoms, thus being non-infectious. However, there is approximately a 5% to 10% chance that such individuals will develop the disease in their lifetime. Early detection and treatment through LTBI testing can effectively reduce the risk of developing the disease by 90% and decrease the likelihood of disease transmission.

The Health Bureau points out that the tuberculosis bacteria primarily spread through droplets and air, and those in close contact with tuberculosis patients are at higher risk of infection. Therefore, early screening and treatment are key to preventing disease onset. This event will encourage tuberculosis contacts who have not yet undergone LTBI testing to participate actively; those who complete the screening will also have the chance to enter a lottery. Spaces for the event are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Health Bureau reminds individuals that if they experience symptoms suspicious of tuberculosis, such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, sputum production, chest pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, or fever, they should seek medical attention for examination promptly, and ensure early diagnosis and treatment to protect their own health and that of their family and friends.

For related event information, please visit the official website of the Pingtung County Government Health Bureau.