Overview of Tuberculosis Cases Reported in 2024 in the Capital Region: Seoul Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan...

Following up on 2023 analyses, this study re-evaluated tuberculosis incidence patterns in the Capital Region (Seoul Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon State) using the latest 2024 data. These findings serve as foundational data to guide effective tuberculosis management strategies centered on high-risk groups.

This study obtained and analyzed data from the National Tuberculosis Integrated Information System (2015-2024). These analyses focused on high-risk groups: the elderly (≥65 years), foreign nationals, Medical Aid beneficiaries, and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Incidence rates per 100,000 population were calculated using population data from Korean Statistical Information Service.

In 2024, 8,035 tuberculosis cases were reported in the Capital Region (a 7.7% decrease from 2023), continuing a steady quantitative decline. Within this trend, pronounced structural changes were identified: the proportions of the elderly (51.8% to 52.2%) and foreign nationals (7.8% to 8.4%) increased. Incidence among Medical Aid recipients (141.7 per 100,000) was 5.3-fold higher than that among Health Insurance beneficiaries (26.5). The proportion of multidrug/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis was 2.8% (national: 2.6%), which was 3.3-fold higher among retreatment cases (6.2%) than among new cases (1.9%). Notably, the incidence among the elderly in Gangwon State (137.6) was markedly higher than that in the Seoul metropolitan area (94.1).

Although tuberculosis case notifications in the Capital Region continued a 10-year decreasing trend, the proportions of the elderly (≥65 years) and foreign nationals continued to rise. This trend, driven by population aging and an influx of foreign workers from high-tuberculosis -burden countries, combined with group-specific vulnerabilities, justifies the targeted programs implemented since 2024 (e.g., "Tuberculosis Awareness for Foreign Workers" and "Tuberculosis Prevention for Seniors [Gangwon State]"). Future efforts must expand these tailored management systems to other vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, Jjokbang residents, and undocumented migrants, to establish a comprehensive and integrated care network.