Early detection key to containing TB, public told

KUCHING (March 1): Early detection helps treat and contain tuberculosis (TB), which is endemic in Malaysia, said Sarawak Health Department Tuberculosis and Leprocy Control Section senior principal assistant director Dr Emmanuel Joseph Fong.

He stressed that the community should not panic but must play their part in ending TB stigma and all forms of discrimination.

“TB is deadly only when infected individuals fail to seek treatment. We must render our support and encouragement to TB patients who need to undergo months of treatment,” he said during Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng’s Facebook live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ on Saturday.

Dr Fong explained that TB is an airborne disease, with transmission usually requiring prolonged exposure to an infected person, such as family members or coworkers.

This is why, once a TB case is detected, health authorities will trace and conduct checks on close contacts to prevent further spread.

Emphasising that TB does not spread as easily like Covid-19, often requiring close, long-term contact, he advised the public not to be overly worried.

However, he urged the people to cooperate by undergoing health examination and follow-up checks if they are close contacts to a TB-positive individual.

He pointed out that a cough lasting more than two weeks is one of the most common symptoms of TB.

“Individuals with TB often experience fever and profuse sweating during the night, as well as unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

“Some more severe cases may experience breathing difficulties and with coughs that may produce phlegm and sometimes blood,” he explained.

Dr Fong added that while cough does not necessarily indicate TB, a persistent cough should warrant a health examination to avoid delayed treatment.

During a TB examination, he said the doctors will enquire about close contact with TB-positive individuals, followed by body checks, skin tests, chest x-rays and sputum examinations to determine Mycobacterium TB.

He clarified that TB does not divide into stages like cancer but is assessed based on the degree of infection.

He cautioned that individuals with weaker immune systems, if infected and left untreated, may see the disease spread to their bones, lymph nodes and other organs.

TB patients, Dr Fong said, are required to take medication for six months. Those with TB that has spread to other organs may need extended treatment lasting nine to 12 months.

Although all medicines have their side effects, he stressed that without treatment, TB patients risk complications such as permanent lung and spinal cord damage or even brain infection.

“All patients who are on medication will have their blood taken regularly to make sure that their liver and kidneys function well,” he said.

Dr Fong emphasised the importance of adhering to prescribed medication schedules and completing full course of treatment.

“Even if they are completely cured following the treatment, there is still risk of infection. Hence, they must not take this matter lightly,” he said.