29 Of Johor’s 33 TB Cases Recorded At Felda Sungai Mas – State Health Director

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- A total of 29 out of 33 Tuberculosis (TB) cases recorded in the Kota Tinggi district occurred in Felda Sungai Mas, said Johor Health director Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.

However, he said a breakdown of the ages of the cases could not be provided at this time.

“So far, the situation remains under control and all close contacts have been instructed to undergo screening at the designated health clinics.

“We advise residents to continue maintaining personal hygiene and to comply with health advice to prevent the spread of TB,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Mohtar said the Johor State Health Department has implemented various preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease, including contact tracing activities for detected positive cases.

Through the Kota Tinggi District Health Office, screening for TB is also being conducted for all close contacts at the designated health clinics.

“Treatment of TB cases is monitored and carried out in accordance with guidelines through discussions with family medicine specialists, respiratory specialists, paediatric specialists and paediatric respiratory specialists in Johor,” he said.

He added that engagement sessions have also been held with the local community, schools, the District Education Office and the Felda office to raise awareness and understanding of the disease.

In addition, Mohtar said targeted health promotion activities are being carried out through individual counselling and the dissemination of posters via mass media platforms.

“For contacts confirmed to be negative, screening for Latent TB Infection (LTBI) is conducted and preventive treatment is provided if LTBI is detected,” he said.

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the cluster was detected on Jan 25, with 33 positive cases identified following the screening of 804 close contacts as of Feb 4.

-- BERNAMA