A total of 503 new tuberculosis cases have been detected nationwide, prompting authorities to urge Malaysians to mask up.
As of the time of writing (15 February), Malaysia has recorded a total of 2,571 tuberculosis cases, with Selangor reporting the second-highest number.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that Sabah recorded the highest number of cases at 614, followed by Selangor (476), Sarawak (257), Johor (233), and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (202).
Meanwhile, Penang recorded 148 cases, followed by Kedah (144), Perak (127), Kelantan (96), Pahang (81), Terengganu (60), Negeri Sembilan (58), Melaka (42), Perlis (17), and Labuan (16).
Mask up in crowded areas and visit a doctor if symptoms appear
Ahead of the festive season and long holidays, MOH is advising the public to be more vigilant in preventing the disease by practising proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and wearing face masks in crowded areas.
Additionally, MOH urges individuals experiencing symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss to undergo screening at the nearest health facility immediately.
“This measure is not only based on the principle of self-risk assessment but also on social responsibility, which is very important to protect oneself, family, and the community from the risk of infectious diseases,” the statement said.
The first cluster was identified in Kota Tinggi, Johor, after health authorities screened 804 close contacts starting 25 January, resulting in 33 confirmed positive cases.
Also read: Johor Govt Explains Why Schools in Kota Tinggi Remain Open Despite TB Cluster Involving Students
