PETALING JAYA: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the diseases that can go unnoticed for a long time because it is caused by a slow-growing mycobacterium.
Respiratory medicine specialist Dr Tan Wang Jie said it is common to see TB clusters in schools and quarters, as the disease spreads through the air.
“We have been fighting TB for decades but still cannot eradicate it. Often, by the time symptoms appear, the disease is moderate to severe.
“The severity can lead to bronchiectasis (scarring of the lungs), which is permanent despite complete TB treatment.
“Other complications include fungus ball or aspergilloma, which can cause troubling hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and may require surgery.
“More severe complications include TB spreading to the brain, causing TB meningitis. This can result in mortality as high as 50%,” he said.
He added that patients might experience headache, reduced consciousness, and sometimes require surgery to relieve hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain creating pressure), leaving them in a debilitated state.
A TB cluster was reported in Johor, with 33 people infected since Jan 25.
Dr Tan said that if TB is diagnosed and treated early, it is curable.
“Patients should watch for key symptoms such as a prolonged cough lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss,” he added.
An alarming sign is coughing up bloody sputum, which requires urgent attention.
Diagnosis may involve a chest X-ray, sputum test and sometimes bronchoscopy, especially in patients with minimal or no sputum production, Dr Tan said.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the TB cluster in Johor highlighted the importance of public awareness and early action in controlling the infectious disease.
“TB primarily affects the lungs and is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People should be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical assessment promptly.
“Precautionary measures are straightforward but vital. Individuals with symptoms should wear a face mask around others and consult a healthcare professional without delay.
“Early screening helps prevent further transmission and allows for prompt treatment,” he said.
While TB can be serious, Dr Thirunavukarasu said it is curable with an appropriate course of anti-TB medications.
However, he warned that the real danger arises when treatment is not completed as prescribed.
Non-compliance can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat, requires longer and more complex therapy, and poses a greater public health challenge.
“Do not panic. Stay informed, get screened if you have symptoms and support those undergoing treatment so we can contain this cluster and protect public health,” he added.
