Kota tinggi: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed the emergence of a Tuberculosis (TB) cluster in Kota Tinggi on January 25, with 33 positive cases detected following screening of 804 close contacts as of yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that MOH teams are currently on the ground and taking aggressive measures to curb the spread of the outbreak. He assured that all patients who tested positive have received treatment and are being closely monitored by the MOH.

Dzulkefly mentioned that one death was reported in the cluster, but confirmed that it was not caused by TB infection. He emphasized that the MOH remains on high alert, with active case detection efforts to be continued to ensure the safety of the local community.

Furthermore, Dzulkefly urged residents in the surrounding areas who are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, or night sweats to undergo health screening immediately and not wait until their condition worsens. He also advised the public not to spread false information that could trigger panic.

TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is transmitted through the air to nearby close contacts. Symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, significant weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, and coughing up blood. TB is preventable and fully curable through effective treatment, with a minimum treatment period of six months.