Tuberculosis outbreak in Kota Tinggi sees 33 active cases under close monitoring
The State Health Department (JKNJ) stated that the Kota Tinggi District Health Office had initially detected the outbreak in a locality within the district on January 25. — IStock/AFP pic
Thursday, 05 Feb 2026 10:13 AM MYT
JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 5 — Johor public health authorities are investigating a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kota Tinggi, with 33 active cases detected so far.
The State Health Department (JKNJ) stated that the Kota Tinggi District Health Office had initially detected the outbreak in a locality within the district on January 25.
“The figure has increased since then to 33 cases, which were detected through active case detection of 804 close contacts as of yesterday.
“All affected patients have been treated and are currently undergoing close monitoring at nearby health facilities,” it said in a statement issued today.
JKNJ said there has been one death involving a TB patient, but the death was not due to TB.
“Residents living in the affected and surrounding areas, especially those experiencing prolonged coughing or with a history of contact with patients, are advised to undergo health screening immediately.
“The screening at all nearby health facilities is necessary to curb the spread of the disease.”
The department also cautioned the public that TB is a contagious infectious respiratory disease that causes a chronic cough.
“Symptoms of TB include prolonged coughing, significant weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, and coughing up blood.
“TB can be prevented and cured through effective treatment with a minimum period of six months,” the statement read.
The latest TB outbreak in Kota Tinggi has been identified as a new cluster.
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily spreads through the air from person to person, often affecting the lungs but capable of infecting other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine.
The disease can be fatal if not treated properly.
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TB usually exists in conditions of poverty and unhygienic living (poor ventilation, spitting) - rare to have TB today but its existence in Kota Tinggi calls for a government investigation in living conditions there.
For many decades since Merdeka BCG vaccines are offered free by Government clinics to toddlers and school children per vaccination schedule.
ReplyDeleteHowever, just as with Murican MAGA idiots, a growing number of Malaysian ( especially Type M parents ) have joined the anti-Vaxx mob, refusing consent for their children to be vaccinated.
Vaccines supposedly cause autism, infertility, and all kinds of health problems, even cancer in the anti-Vaxx parallel universe.
I have had a chat with a few of them , they live in a different world reality.
Note : BCG does not provide life-long immunity, nor is it 100% effective but it does markedly reduce the risk of transmission especially during school-age years when children and teens are often exposed in crowded situations with children from all sorts of other backgrounds.