Last week, a total of 33 tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported in Kota Tinggi, Johor.

According to the Johor State Health Department, all the cases originated from a single cluster, which was confirmed on January 25. As of February 4, 33 cases were identified through active screening of 804 close contacts, as reported by NST.

It is understood that although one death was linked to the cluster, the Health Department confirmed that the death was not caused by tuberculosis. All affected patients are receiving treatment and are under close monitoring at nearby health facilities.

What is TB?

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Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious airborne disease that spreads through actions such as talking, coughing, or sneezing.

TB can infect anyone, but certain groups face a higher risk, such as people living with someone who has active TB or those who have travelled to regions where TB is more common, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

TB also poses greater risks for children under 2 years old, as infections in this age group can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, which affects the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy—are at increased risk of developing active TB disease.

Symptoms of TB

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The symptoms of TB often begin with flu-like signs, such as low fever, fatigue, and cough. However, certain symptoms can gradually worsen over a few weeks. These may include:

• Coughing up blood
• Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

What to do if you are infected with TB

Although TB is treatable and curable, it remains a contagious disease. During the first 2 to 3 weeks of active TB, the bacteria can be transmitted to others. Therefore, certain precautions should be taken, especially when living with others.

Recommended precautions:

• Stay home as much as possible
• Self-isolate and minimise contact with household members
• Ensure good room ventilation
• Wear a face mask when around other people
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

TB vaccination

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The BCG vaccine, which uses a live strain of Mycobacterium bovis, was developed as an attenuated vaccine to prevent tuberculosis.

Developed between 1900 and 1921 by French scientists Dr Albert Calmette and Dr Camille Guérin, it was first administered to humans in 1921 and has since become the most widely used vaccine for TB prevention.

In Malaysia, the BCG vaccine is given at birth through the National Immunisation Programme. It is also used in countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and China.

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