Health Tips

Is Malaysia experiencing a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak?

Over the past few days, there has been a viral post about a notice from a Klang Valley apartment complex circulating around social media on the ever rising tuberculosis (TB) cases since November 10th 2023. The staggering figure of more than 100 active cases and the misinterpretation of “outbreak” had caused many to be anxious and worried that there might be another pandemic like Covid-19.

However, despite the several cases of TB that were reported and confirmed, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa claims that the disease is still under control in Malaysia and should not be considered as either an epidemic or outbreak. This is because TB cases are considered to be endemic in Malaysia as they’re always around the corner, regardless of the season or months. Hence, the public was advised to not panic as the Public Health Division of the ministry is routinely monitoring the development and spread of the disease. 

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Remaining as a global health challenge, TB primarily targets the lungs but it may also extend its reach to various organs. TB is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment.

What’s scary about TB is that it can be spread through thin air when an infected person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes or talks. People around the infected individuals may inhale the bacteria and as a result also become infected.

Types of TB

Latent TB: Individuals with latent TB may be infected with the TB bacteria but would not necessarily show any active symptoms. That said, they are not contagious but are at risk of developing active TB if the infection becomes active and multiplies.

Active TB: Individuals with active TB on the other hand have TB bacteria that are actively multiplying, resulting in a range of TB symptoms (persistent and prolonged cough, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, coughing up blood, depending on the organs affected).

What is considered an outbreak?

An outbreak is essentially defined as the occurrence of cases of a particular disease in a population or geographical area that exceeds what is normally expected. It is often used to refer to infectious or foodborne diseases. The term may be confined to some family members or may be more widespread and involve cases either locally, nationally or internationally. The key characteristics of an outbreak include:

•  Unusual increase in cases that happen within a relatively short period of time
•  Notable impact on affected community and the healthcare system 
•  Official declaration by health authorities 
•  Sharing an epidemiological link where cases are somewhat having the common characteristics or exposures

TB Immunization

Till date, bacillus Calmette- Guerin (BCG) is the only TB vaccine available for the prevention of TB. It contains a live, weakened form of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes the disease. In many countries including Malaysia, BCG is given as early as since birth and individuals will be vaccinated again in school during primary 1 (7 years old) if no scar is present.

It is also worth noting that while the BCG vaccine offers protection against severe forms of TB in infants and young children, it does not guarantee complete immunity for adolescents and adults from TB or prevent latent TB from progressing to active disease, and breakthrough infections can still occur. Besides, it also doesn’t provide long-term protection, hence booster dose may be required for those who are at high risk of TB exposure.

Tips to prevent TB 

•  Avoiding close contact with anyone who you know have active TB disease

•  Sanitize and wash your hands often, especially when coughing or sneezing

•  Practice a nutritious, healthy diet and exercise daily to keep your immune system in check

•  Get tested from time to time if you’re at a higher risk of TB (exposure, travel, immunocompromised status)

•  completing course of medications and taking the medications exactly as their doctor prescribes if you have been diagnosed for latent/active TB

All in All

The increasing cases of TB observed in Malaysia recently is NOT an outbreak as the cases were not completely related and TB has been a national endemic as long as years ago. However, should you or your loved one start showing any TB symptoms, it is highly encouraged that you seek immediate medical attention and get treated accordingly. The MySejahtera application is also a useful tool at times like this to be updated with the TB cases in different areas.

Meanwhile, we would also like to take this opportunity and urge everyone to stay safe and be hydrated at all times. It is also extremely beneficial to boost your immunity with Vitamin C with Zinc to combat the sick season seeing the drastic climate changes and the rise in Covid-19 & influenza cases. 

This article is written by Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) (DOC2US),
reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Haniffan, MBBS​ (DOC2US)

References

1.  https://focusmalaysia.my/dr-zaliha-dispels-rumours-of-tuberculosis-outbreak-situation-under-control/ 
2.  https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/disease-outbreaks/index.html 
3.  http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/bcg-tb/ 
4.  https://www.healthline.com/health/tuberculosis-prevention#vaccines 
5.  https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis 

Written by

DOC2US