Dzul: Air-borne disease highly infectious with Sabah accounting for 1,944 cases
KOTA KINABALU: The surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases is a serious concern with 8,856 cases recorded nationwide as of May 4, reveals the Health Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the air-borne disease was highly infectious with Sabah accounting for 1,944 cases.
“We advise those with symptoms such as coughs lasting for over two weeks, fever, night sweats, lack of appetite, weight loss and bloody cough to seek treatment immediately,” he said after officiating the 2024 World Malaria, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Day event at the Faculty of Medicine and Science Health, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here yesterday.
The minister dismissed talk that TB was “a man-made disease”.
“This must be corrected. TB patients need to be treated because without immediate treatment, this disease can be fatal,” he cautioned.
Asked whether the high number of TB cases in the country could be sourced to illegal immigrants, Dzulkefly said the ministry was aware that the disease was mainly brought in by foreigners who entered the country illegally.
“This includes Sabah which is too close to some countries. This is a big challenge to the Sabah government and the state health director.
“The important thing for us is to take care of our health. Things like not having documentation are dealt with by the government through the relevant authorities.
“Our policy is to provide treatment to individuals in need. They are also potential carriers of infectious diseases,” he added.
Dzulkefly later paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at his official residence at Seri Gaya.
