With TB cases on the rise, Bintulu steps up awareness campaigns and screenings

BINTULU (Feb 26): The Bintulu Divisional Health Office has stepped up community outreach initiatives to improve public health literacy, particularly on tuberculosis (TB), through a series of awareness and education campaigns.

Among the targeted locations on Wednesday were Kampung Baru and the Ramadan Bazaar at NU Hotel here.

The Health office said the community-centred approach aims to promote early detection, ensure timely treatment, and strengthen preventive measures to curb the spread of TB.

TB screenings were also conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday at Rumah Sekapan Piit, Belaga by the Belaga District Health Office and Belaga Health Clinic.

“The programme featured TB screening using ultra-portable X-ray technology to identify signs of lung infection, alongside health education sessions to raise awareness on the risks of untreated TB and the importance of early detection and prevention,” the Health office said in a statement.

TB is an airborne infectious disease that spreads when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, or sneezes.

It does not transmit as easily as influenza or Covid-19, as infection typically requires prolonged and repeated exposure.

Members of the public are advised to practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces, wear a face mask if experiencing symptoms or when in crowded areas, and to seek medical attention if suffering from a cough lasting more than two weeks or other related symptoms.

The Ministry of Health said Sarawak recorded 332 TB cases as of Epidemiological Week 6 this year – the third highest nationwide, accounting for 10.5 per cent of the 3,161 cases reported in Malaysia.