KOTA TINGGI: Despite the emergence of a tuberculosis (TB) cluster, daily life in an affected Felda settlement continues as authorities monitor the situation and ensure those infected receive treatment.
Felda Sungai Mas village chief Mohd Ariff Ahmad said the situation was under control, with schools, shops and daily activities continuing as usual.
“Only those who tested positive are being quarantined at home,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Johor Health Department revealed that a TB cluster was detected here on Jan 25.
A total of 33 people were infected while one patient died of a cause not related to the infection.
Mohd Ariff said Health Ministry officials, including personnel from the district health office, visited the settlement in Pengerang here late last month to carry out screenings after one resident tested positive for TB.
“They also briefed us and community leaders from nearby areas on the disease and preventive measures.
“Among the advice given were to practise good hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if we experienced coughing and fever for more than three days,” he said.
Mohd Ariff noted that Felda Sungai Mas is among the largest Felda settlements in the country, with more than 5,000 residents.
The cluster is believed to be linked to an elderly woman who had a fever and cough for more than three days before testing positive for TB at a clinic.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said proactive measures, such as expanding screening, are being considered to ensure public health safety.
So far, 804 people identified as close contacts of the 33 patients have been screened.
Ling assured that the state Health Department has sufficient manpower on the ground to manage the situation.
He reminded residents living in and near the cluster to wear face masks and practise good hygiene, including covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
“We have the experience and knowledge to handle TB, and with the medicine and measures that have been taken for this cluster, it will not be the same as during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
He urged anyone showing symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, loss of appetite and night sweats to seek medical treatment immediately.
