Kobe City: September 24 to September 30 is Tuberculosis Prevention Week

Press Release (September 20, 2022)
Due to the outbreak of the new type of coronavirus infection, it is recommended that people wear masks in public places even without symptoms and keep a distance of at least 1 meter when talking, eating, or drinking.
Every day, new coronavirus infections are in the news, while other diseases are becoming harder to detect. Tuberculosis patients are also being found with slightly more severe cases than usual in the coronavirus disaster.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has designated September 24 through September 30 as “Tuberculosis Prevention Week” to promote correct knowledge about tuberculosis. The city of Kobe will also provide citizens with information on tuberculosis in Kobe City. Please take this opportunity to think about the prevention of TB as well as corona.

1. Current Status of Tuberculosis

In Japan, nearly 12,000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) still occur annually, and approximately 2,000 people die.

In Kobe City, about 200 new cases occur annually, and the morbidity rate (the number of newly registered TB cases per 100,000 population) in 2021 was 13.2, which is higher than the national rate (9.2), and about 60% of the population is over 70 years old.

2. For early detection and treatment

Have a regular chest X-ray medical checkup (TB medical checkup) every year. It is possible to detect TB before symptoms appear and before there is a possibility of infecting others. Please check the schedule of the checkups in the ward residents’ newsletter.

Tuberculosis is a disease that can be cured by taking proper medication. If you feel cold symptoms or feel unwell, or if you are told that you do not have a new type of coronavirus infection, but you continue to cough or have tans for more than two weeks, wear a mask and visit a medical institution as soon as possible. It is also common for TB to be discovered during treatment for another illness. Consult with your doctor and have a chest X-ray or sputum examination as appropriate. Early detection and early treatment are the best prevention.

3. Tuberculosis Prevention PR Activities during Tuberculosis Prevention Week

(1) Broadcasting of PR video (in cooperation with the Kobe Kiyomori Corps)

Sannomiya Center Street, Mint Kobe, Kobe Airport, City Hall Building No. 1, 1st floor

(2) Poster display

Minato Kobe Gallery (Minato Bank head office, September 20-October 14), Hanatoki Gallery (underground passageway in front of City Hall, September 22-October 5), Kobe City Subway (September 24-30), ward offices, etc.