By Dr Nurashikin Mohammad

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB or Tibi, continues to be reported in Malaysia each year.

While national data shows that more than 26,700 TB cases were recorded in 2023, health experts stress that the disease is well understood, treatable and preventable when detected early.

The presence of TB in the community highlights the importance of awareness, early screening and timely medical care rather than fear or panic.

Malaysia has long established TB control programmes that include vaccination, screening and access to effective treatment.

With proper medical management, most patients with TB can recover fully and return to their normal daily lives.

Recognising symptoms and the importance of early assessment

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and most commonly affects the lungs.

One of the key symptoms that should not be ignored is a cough lasting more than two weeks.

While many people associate TB with severe or dramatic symptoms, the disease often begins gradually.

Common symptoms may include prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

However, not all patients will experience these typical or classical symptoms.

Some individuals may feel generally well or have only mild complaints, which can delay diagnosis if screening is not considered.

Doctors advise that anyone with a cough persisting beyond two weeks should seek medical evaluation, even if other symptoms are absent.

Early testing allows for prompt treatment and reduces the risk of transmission to others.

When symptoms are absent why screening still matters

Importantly, individuals with high risk factors for TB may not have obvious symptoms at all.

These include people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, those with weakened immune systems, smokers, close contacts of TB patients, and individuals living or working in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.

For these groups, screening should be considered even in the absence of symptoms.

Early detection through chest imaging and laboratory testing helps identify TB before complications develop and protects both the individual and the wider community.

Understanding how TB spreads

TB spreads through the air when a person with active lung TB coughs, speaks or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the surrounding environment.

Transmission usually requires prolonged close contact, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

It is important to reassure the public that TB is not spread through casual daily interactions such as shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, or touching surfaces.

Brief contact does not pose significant risk. Prevention Through Awareness and Responsible Care TB prevention relies on simple but effective measures. These include early medical consultation for persistent cough, completing prescribed treatment fully and practising good respiratory hygiene.

Malaysia’s national immunisation programme includes the BCG vaccine, which helps protect infants and young children from severe forms of TB.

For adults, maintaining good overall health, avoiding smoking and seeking timely medical advice play important roles in prevention.

Patients diagnosed with TB are provided with structured treatment and follow up to ensure full recovery and to prevent drug resistant TB.

A reassuring message to the public

TB should be approached with knowledge and awareness rather than fear.

Tuberculosis is a disease that can be diagnosed and treated effectively with modern medicine. What matters most is recognising when to seek medical attention.

A cough that lasts more than two weeks should always be checked, and individuals at higher risk are encouraged to undergo screening even if they feel well.

Early diagnosis benefits not only patients but also their families and communities, as timely treatment helps prevent complications and reduces the risk of transmission to others.

Staying calm and informed

Health authorities encourage Malaysians to stay informed, remain attentive to persistent symptoms and support public health initiatives.

TB awareness is about early action, responsible care and reassurance, not alarm.

With continued cooperation between the public and healthcare system, TB can be effectively managed and its impact further reduced across the country.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Nurashikin Mohammad is a Consultant Physician (Internal Medicine & Respiratory) at Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Selangor.