KUALA LUMPUR: Ten new active tuberculosis (TB) clusters have been detected in seven states so far, with Selangor topping the list with four clusters involving 10 cases, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
“Johor recorded one cluster with 37 cases, while Kedah and Kelantan each reported one cluster with two cases.
“This is followed by Pahang, recording one cluster involving four cases, Perlis reported one cluster with two cases, and Sabah reported one cluster with five cases,” he told Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) during the Minister’s Question Time.
Dr Ahmad Yunus had asked the Health Ministry to state the latest status of TB clusters by state, including the number of active cases still under monitoring.
He also asked the ministry to explain the specific screening and control measures that have been implemented in high-risk premises, such as boarding schools, prisons and worker hostels to prevent further transmission.
In high-risk premises such as boarding schools, prisons and worker hostels, screening measures are conducted based on the Tuberculosis Information System Manual (TBIS 2018), which includes contact identification, contact evaluation, and contact screening, said Dzulkelfy.
The screening process includes symptom screening, including cases of persistent cough, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss, while clinical examination of the lungs was carried out.
Chest X-ray examination, as well as sputum examination, including microscopy and culture, are also done, he said.
The Health Minister added that control measures to prevent the spread of TB include ensuring that individuals diagnosed with TB receive early anti-TB treatment.
“Close contacts who do not have active TB are screened for TB infection or latent TB and are started on preventive treatment. Treatment is monitored daily through Directly Observed Therapy at the nearest health facility.
“In addition, symptomatic individuals are advised to practice proper cough etiquette, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
“The Health Ministry continuously monitors the situation of TB clusters and strives to improve the delivery of quality services through early detection and treatment,” he said.
On the Kota Tinggi Johor cluster, Dzulkefly said that should serve as a wake up call for the whole country.
“The case in Johor is a recent one where the index case was a 72-year-old woman, a religious teacher, which resulted in 903 close contacts being identified,” he said.
“As of Feb 7, it involves 37 cases involving 29 children and eight adults,” he said, adding that all of them are currently being treated at nearby health facilities.
