Health experts warn that early tuberculosis infections may go unnoticed during Chinese New Year and Ramadan gatherings.

PETALING JAYA: As Malaysians make preparations for the Chinese New Year celebrations and Ramadan, public health experts are warning about a hidden risk – early tuberculosis (TB) infections that often go unnoticed.

According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, many infected individuals may appear healthy or show only mild symptoms, making the disease hard to detect.

“This is why it’s so dangerous. Diagnosis can take weeks, months or even years, depending on a person’s immune system and access to healthcare for diagnosis and treatment,” she told theSun.

Sharifa said pulmonary TB (PTB) is usually spread through repeated exposure or in constant contact with an infected person via coughing or saliva, adding that it is quite difficult to contract TB from just one encounter.

“Simply attending Chinese New Year gatherings is unlikely to be the main cause of catching PTB.

“However, individuals who are known to be TB-positive and still infectious should avoid mixing with others without proper precautions, such as wearing a mask,” she said.

Sharifa added that certain groups are at higher risk of TB, including children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those living with HIV.

She emphasised that it is possible for TB patients to appear healthy and continue festive activities without knowing they are infectious.

“PTB is very insidious and can mimic many other illnesses. Many people may be positive without realising they are infectious, only being diagnosed when prominent symptoms develop and they are confirmed as PTB cases.

“If you think you have symptoms, please get screened, especially if you come from TB outbreak areas, or have been in close contact with someone infected.”

Sharifa said the biggest mistake people make with TB symptoms is not seeking proper diagnosis from healthcare providers, which can result in unknowingly infecting others, prolonging the illness and increasing the risk of complications.

“Many people no longer wear masks unless in high-risk situations. If you are at higher risk or have something infectious, such as flu, it’s important to wear a mask in public or when interacting with vulnerable individuals,” she said.

Universiti Teknologi Mara nutrionist Dr Azizah Othman said certain vitamins and minerals can help support the immune system in protecting against TB, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc.

She said vitamin D is particularly important for TB defence, as it acts like a biological “switch” that activates white blood cells to produce antimicrobial peptides that help kill TB-causing bacteria.

“For those traveling and spending more time indoors or in crowded transport, a vitamin D3 supplement (around 1,000–2,000 IU) or 15 minutes of morning sun can keep this defence active.”

She also reminded the public that wearing a mask remains one of the most effective external protections, especially during festive activities.

 The Sun Malaysia