Members of the public are being advised not to ignore a cough that lasts more than two weeks, as it could be an early sign of tuberculosis (TB), also known as pulmonary tuberculosis.
Health specialists say the disease, often mistaken for a common respiratory illness, continues to spread quietly within communities, with new cases still being detected weekly across the country.
Consultant Internal Medicine and Respiratory Physician at Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, Dr Lo Shan Min, said TB control remains a significant public health challenge in Malaysia.
He noted that 596 new cases were reported nationwide during Epidemiological Week 6, bringing the cumulative total to 3,161 cases so far this year, with Sabah, Selangor and Sarawak recording the highest numbers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaysia recorded 122 TB cases per 100,000 population in 2023, with more than 26,000 cases reported annually in recent years.
Dr Lo explained that TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person with active disease coughs, speaks or sneezes. While it is less contagious than influenza or COVID-19, prolonged close contact in poorly ventilated and crowded environments increases the risk of transmission.
He said locations such as homes, workplaces, hostels, prisons and crowded community events can become hotspots if an individual has active TB. He also pointed to contributing factors such as urban population density, mobility, ageing populations and comorbid conditions like diabetes, which may sustain ongoing transmission.
Citing the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr Lo said TB bacteria spread through tiny airborne particles, particularly in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, making prolonged exposure a key risk factor.
He added that infection is generally not caused by brief encounters but rather extended exposure in confined settings, stressing the importance of public awareness in breaking the chain of transmission.
The most common early symptom of active pulmonary TB is a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks. Other symptoms may include night sweats, low-grade fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and in more severe cases, coughing up blood or chest pain.
Dr Lo said symptoms often develop gradually, and some patients delay seeking treatment because they mistake it for a mild flu. He stressed that early detection is crucial not only for effective treatment but also to prevent further spread to others.
While rising case numbers may raise concern, he noted that improved screening and diagnostic capabilities have also contributed to higher detection rates, which is a positive development in public health management.
More comprehensive contact tracing, rapid molecular testing and expanded screening programmes have enabled earlier identification of infections, allowing patients to begin treatment sooner and reducing transmission periods.
Data from WHO Malaysia shows that drug-sensitive TB has a treatment success rate of 85 to 90 per cent when patients adhere to a standard six-month treatment regimen.
Dr Lo also emphasised the importance of public awareness, early screening and responsible behaviour, including seeking medical attention for prolonged symptoms, practising proper cough etiquette and undergoing contact screening to help curb the spread of the disease.
