Tuberculosis is a disease that can lead to death if there is no appropriate treatment. In 2012, there were 252 newcases of tuberculosis, and among them 28 cases led to death. And in 2013 there were 241 cases and 27 deaths.

Periodic exams are indicated to check out health conditions and prevent diseases. And the Mie’s Health Management Center (Kenshin Center Sante), carried out free exams at Brazilian school Nikken Gakuen in Yokkaichi city. The person in charge for the exams spoke about the purpose of this exam and gave us important information on tuberculosis.

[Interview with Fukuoka Hideyasu – health supervisor of Kenshin Center Sante]

“Mie’s Health Management Center’s purpose is to carry out free tuberculosis exams for foreign residents in Japan and, through it, raise people’s awareness on the importance of this exam, as well as bring information on what is tuberculosis. And if everyone carries out the health exam, our goal will be reached.

Could you speak about what is tuberculosis?

“Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Koch’s bacillus. And the most affected organ is the lung. Elderly, children and people with low immunity are the most vulnerable, therefore they need to be careful.”

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

“The first symptoms are similar to a cold. Prolonged cough for 2 weeks, catarrh, sudden weight loss, fatigue in addition to fever and night sweats are symptoms of tuberculosis.

How should we proceed in the case of suspected infection?

“When there is suspected infection, it is important to attend a hospital immediately.  Even there is no suspected infection, the recommended is to carry out a periodic health exam once a year.

Besides children, school’s employees have also carried out the preventive exam, and they thanked to have the opportunity to join it.

[Interview with Celina Yojo – director of Nikken Gakuen]

“According to researches the number of foreigners infected by tuberculosis is significant, but there is the fact people does not comment on. And in Japan there are several cases of diseases caused by viruses, and there are the cases where children are in a serious situation due to this. So we find important since they carry out not only the X-ray exam to detect tuberculosis, and if any problem is detected they let us know. We appreciate their presence and if we could carry out this exam every year here at school I think it is very important. Because we have to take care of both children and employees’ health. ”

[Interview with Ademar Oshiro – teacher at Nikken Objetivo]

“It is gratifying, not only on prevention, but in an eventual detection of a further problem. That’s why I think it was quite valid, and also I feel thankful because this company is making it availableto school with no cost.”

Tuberculosis is a serious disease, therefore we have to avoid a mass spreading. Periodic exams are important since they can detect the disease in the initial stage. Get information on health exams at the Hoken Center of your city.