TB: Sarawak records 332 cases, third highest nationwide

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak has recorded 332 tuberculosis (TB) cases so far—the third highest nationwide.

In a statement, the Health Ministry (MoH) said that the cumulative number of cases so far this year is 3,161, with 596 new cases recorded nationwide during the sixth epidemiological week (Feb 8 to 14).

Breaking down the cumulative number of cases by state, Sabah reported the most cases with 755, followed by Selangor with 596.

Behind Sarawak is Johor with 280 cases, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (244), Kedah (181), Penang (172), Perak (154), Kelantan (121), Pahang (103), Terengganu (74), Negeri Sembilan (62), Melaka (48), Perlis (21), and Labuan (18).

“TB doesn’t spread quickly like influenza or Covid-19 and needs prolonged or repeated exposure (to it). Risk of infection increases if an individual is exposed in an enclosed, congested area with bad ventilation over a long period of time, as well as other factors such as their health,” it said.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze or spit.

It is preventable via measures such as early detection, screenings, practising good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wearing masks.

While it is curable through antibiotics, it can be fatal if an infected individual does not seek treatment. — DayakDaily

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