What is the primary reason healthcare workers need to be checked for tuberculosis (TB)?

The primary reason healthcare workers need to be checked for tuberculosis (TB) is that TB is highly contagious. This means that it can easily spread from person to person, especially in close-contact environments such as hospitals, clinics, and home health care settings. Healthcare workers who are exposed to patients with active TB are at an increased risk of contracting the disease themselves, which can not only affect their health but also pose a significant risk to other patients and staff.

Regular screening for TB helps identify and manage potential infections early, ensuring that any healthcare worker who may be infected receives appropriate treatment before they can spread the disease. This practice is essential in maintaining a safe environment for both healthcare providers and patients, highlighting the importance of infection control measures in the healthcare field.

The other options do not address the primary concern regarding the spread of TB in a healthcare setting. For instance, while it may be true that health screening is a requirement for hiring in certain facilities, the fundamental issue remains the contagious nature of TB. Moreover, the misconception that only the elderly can have TB or that it is not a health concern does not reflect the realities of how TB can affect individuals of any age and the serious implications it carries in public health.