PETALING JAYA: As the country faces another rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, health professionals say that gatherings held during Chinese New Year and Ramadan could fuel further transmission if precautions are ignored.
Public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh cautioned that TB is “an insidious disease, difficult to detect and manage”.
It often spreads silently among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and those with weakened immune systems, she said.
“Encounters during festive celebrations once or twice in a short duration are not likely to transmit pulmonary TB.
“However, if someone is already diagnosed with active TB, they must remain cautious as they may infect others, some-times unknowingly,” she said when contacted.
As of yesterday, the Health Ministry reported 503 new TB cases detected across the nation during the fifth epidemiological week. These cases brought the cumulative number of tuberculosis cases to 2,571.
Dr Sharifa advised those diagnosed with TB to mask up during social gatherings to reduce transmission.
“They are highly discouraged from mingling with others. People should understand how pulmonary TB is transmitted and take steps to avoid exposure.”
“However, in many cases, positive individuals are not known or would not come forward as positive TB. In some cases, they have been only partially treated. Due to non-compliance, they may not have completed the treatment.”
“TB may reactivate again after treatment (relapse) or they can be reinfected by a new strain of TB.”
She said that people who have diabetes, HIV, cancer and malnutrition could have a higher risk.
Those having symptoms should stay away from crowds if they are still infectious, she added.
Dr Sharifa also warned that TB and influenza might present similar symptoms, especially among the elderly, children and people with high comorbidity.
“For those arriving from abroad or planning to travel abroad, it’s wise to get flu vaccinations prior to their travel date.
“Get tested if symptoms persist and seek medical care if you don’t get better. Influenza is highly contagious and occurs within a short duration of contact with infected persons,” she added.
Consultant emergency physician Dr Aliyah Zambri said that festive gatherings held in poorly ventilated indoor spaces could accelerate transmission.
“TB is airborne and spreads through prolonged, close exposure. While casual festive visits are of lower risk, crowded indoor environments with poor airflow increase transmission.
“We may not see a sudden spike immediately after gatherings but there could be a gradual rise in detected cases in the following weeks,” Dr Aliyah, who is the head of Accident and Emergency Services at KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, said.
She said the TB bacteria can remain suspended in the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks or sings.
“However, TB transmission is generally associated with sustained exposure such as living in the same household or working in close proximity; not brief social contact,” she said.
“Casual interactions during festive visits are of lower risk compared to spending many continuous hours in confined spaces.”
Dr Aliyah said both influenza and TB can present with cough and fever, but there are key differences.
TB displays symptoms such as persistent cough for more than two weeks, weight loss, night sweats and prolonged low-grade fever, she said.
She emphasised the need for awareness, early testing and responsible health-seeking behaviour.
“The festive season should be celebrated safely – with awareness, not anxiety. From an emergency care standpoint, delayed presentation remains a concern.
“Many TB patients present late, sometimes with advanced lung disease or complications.
“Early symptoms may be subtle (mild chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss) and are often ignored. Early diagnosis protects not only the individual but also family members.
“Secondly, stigma continues to be a barrier. TB is treatable and curable with proper adherence to medication. Prompt diagnosis and completion of treatment remain the most effective ways to break transmission chains,” she added.
