PUTRAJAYA, Feb 21 — Between February 8 and 14 (Epidemiological Week 6), 596 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported nationwide, bringing this year’s cumulative total to 3,161.
In a statement today, the Health Ministry (MOH) said Sabah has the highest number of cases at 755, followed by Selangor (596), Sarawak (332), Johor (280), 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).
MOH stressed that Ramadan is not a cause of TB transmission, but increased social gatherings this month may lead to closer, more frequent contact among people.
As such, the public is advised to practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, ensure good ventilation in enclosed areas, wear a face mask if experiencing symptoms or when in crowded places, and seek medical attention if they have a cough lasting more than two weeks or other related symptoms.
The ministry said the risk of infection is higher in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, especially if there is someone with active TB who has not received treatment.
“However, the actual risk depends on factors such as duration of exposure, ventilation and individual health status,” the MOH statement said.
