SHAH ALAM, Feb 16 — State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin has advised the public not to panic over rising tuberculosis cases in Selangor, but to practise prevention methods to halt the spread of the disease.
She said various control measures have and are being executed to ensure residents’ safety.
“Among the steps are active case tracing at affected localities, patient isolation and treatment at health facilities, and monitoring treatment compliance (until patients) complete the treatment period.
“Thanks to this quick and integrated action, the spread of this disease is under control and further spread risks have been minimised," she told Media Selangor today.
According to Jamaliah, this dry cough disease can be prevented and cured if patients receive early treatment and comply with prescribed treatment methods.
Thus, the people are encouraged to practise basic prevention methods such as wearing face masks, covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing, ensuring good ventilation indoors, getting BCG vaccine jabs, and not smoking.
The public has also been advised to be aware of early tuberculosis symptoms and immediately undergo health screenings if they experience cough and prolonged fevers of over two weeks, weight loss, and night sweats.
“People shouldn’t delay treatment and must immediately visit health facilities if they are symptomatic, and cooperate with health workers if they are identified as close contacts,” Jamaliah said.
She added that the state government will continue strengthening tuberculosis prevention, screening and treatment programmes so they are focused, inclusive and continuous to ensure the people’s well-being.
“Cooperation from all quarters is important to ensure the spread of tuberculosis in this state can be halted in a controlled and safe environment,” Jamaliah said.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry said 503 new tuberculosis cases were reported between February 1 and 7 (Epidemiological Week 5), bringing the cumulative total to 2,571.
It said Sabah logged the most cases at 614, followed by Selangor (476), Sarawak (257), and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (202).
