Health experts urge early TB screening and healthy living to maintain immunity and prevent the spread of the infectious disease, which remains stable but a persistent threat.

KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been urged to undergo early tuberculosis screening and maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve optimal immunity.

Deputy director-general of Health Dr Ismuni Bohari said immediate treatment and early detection are key to full recovery and breaking the chain of community infection.

He noted the national TB infection rate has remained stable at 61 to 80 cases per 100,000 population since 2015.

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“Our task is to identify as many individuals as possible who may have been infected by an index case and treat them immediately,” he said on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme.

Dr Ismuni stressed that maintaining immunity through an active lifestyle and avoiding smoking is crucial.

He also advised symptomatic individuals to wear face masks and get screened before attending events in enclosed spaces.

Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital consultant Datuk Dr Mat Zuki Mat Jaeb highlighted the danger of latent TB, where bacteria lie dormant.

He explained the bacteria can become active when immunity weakens due to age or chronic diseases like diabetes.

“TB is not just about a prolonged cough. It can attack other organs, including the brain,” he warned.

He noted that rapid screening methods like the Mantoux test and blood tests enable early detection.

Dr Mat Zuki emphasised that TB treatment is free and fully curable with strict medication adherence.

He also cautioned patients against stopping treatment early to prevent the development of harder-to-treat Multi-Drug Resistant TB.

 The Sun Malaysia