[Results of the Tuberculosis Epidemiological Investigation In Congregated Settings, 2022]

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease spreading through the air, caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Individuals can become infected when they come in close contact with people with TB. Therefore, the early identification of TB patients through the rapid epidemiological investigation and treatment of individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are considered the most effective strategies for TB control and prevention, when an active TB case is detected. The World Health Organization also recommends screening and treatment for LTBI, especially, prioritizing contacts of TB patients. The epidemiological investigation for TB cases is based on identifying contacts of TB patients in congregate settings and households and conducting diagnostic tests for TB/LTBI. In 2022, a total of 101 cases from the 22,297 household contacts (453.0/100,000 contacts) of patients with TB and a total of 89 cases from the 72,821 contacts in congregate setting (122.2/100,000 contacts) were identified early. Compared with the incidence of TB (16,264 cases; 31.7/100,000 population) in 2022 in the Republic of Korea, the risk of TB transmission is 14.3 times higher in household contacts and 3.9 times higher in congregate settings, suggesting that the comprehensive control measures are required. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has established the "3rd Comprehensive Plan for Tuberculosis Management (2023-2027)" to reduce the incidence rate of TB to 20 or fewer cases per 100,000 people by 2027. The plan will continue to implement the screening and treatment programs for close contacts of patients with TB, especially those with household contacts and in congregate settings who are at high risk of TB infection.