JOHOR BARU: The tuberculosis (TB) cluster in the Kota Tinggi district is mainly from Felda Sungai Mas, says Johor Health director Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.
He said 29 out of 33 TB cases were from the area but added that an age breakdown of those affected could not be provided at this time.
"The situation is still under control and all close contacts have been instructed to undergo screening.
"We advise residents to continue maintaining personal hygiene and to comply with health advice to prevent the spread of TB," he said on Thursday (Feb 5).
Mohtar said the Johor Health Department had implemented various preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease, including contact tracing activities for positive cases.
"Treatment of TB cases is monitored and carried out in accordance with guidelines through discussions with family medicine specialists, respiratory specialists, paediatric specialists and paediatric respiratory specialists in Johor," he said.
He added that engagement sessions have also been held with the local community, schools, the district education office and the Felda office to raise awareness and understanding of the disease.
Mohtar also said targeted health promotion activities are being carried out through individual counselling and the dissemination of posters via mass media platforms.
"For contacts confirmed to be negative, screening for Latent TB Infection (LTBI) is conducted and preventive treatment is provided if LTBI is detected," he said.
On Wednesday (Feb 4), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the cluster was detected on Jan 25, with 33 positive cases identified following the screening of 804 close contacts as of Feb 4. – Bernama
