Health authorities are urging the public not to panic but to undergo immediate screening if they experience symptoms or have had close contact with someone infected with tuberculosis (TB), a potentially fatal disease if left untreated.
Dr Amirul Syafiq Hishamudin, co-founder of Jauhar Medical Clinic, explained that TB is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also spread to bones, intestines, and lymph nodes.
“The bacteria spreads through the air, so close contact with a person who has TB — whether through sneezing, coughing, or talking — carries a risk of infection,” he told Bernama.
High-risk groups include individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, and stroke, as well as people with weakened immunity, including HIV patients, chemotherapy recipients, and children under five.
TB is categorised into latent and active forms. Latent TB is non-infectious and symptom-free, while active TB is infectious and symptomatic. Dr Amirul emphasised that screening is necessary for anyone with close contact, even if the risk is lower than that of a normal individual.
Symptoms to watch for include a cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, persistent fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss.
“Contact tracing and screening are conducted by the government for anyone exposed. TB is treatable with anti-TB medication taken daily for at least six months. Consistency is crucial, as incomplete treatment can lead to multi-drug resistant TB, which is harder to treat and more dangerous,” he said.
Dr Amirul advised the public to avoid close contact with TB patients until they have completed the initial infection period, usually two weeks after starting treatment, or as directed by a doctor.
Sharing his personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Amirul revealed he contracted TB when his immunity dropped, losing 10 kilograms in a month. “My child and I underwent six months of daily anti-TB treatment under the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) method. Alhamdulillah, we have fully recovered. Do not delay addressing any symptoms, as TB can be fatal if ignored,” he said.
The Ministry of Health reported 503 new TB cases nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 5 of 2026 (ME 5/2026), bringing the total cases to 2,571. Sabah recorded the highest number at 614, followed by Selangor (476), Sarawak (257), Johor (233), and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (202).
