33 TB cases found in Kota Tinggi outbreak: Johor health department

An active tuberculosis (TB) cluster has been detected in Kota Tinggi, with 33 cases identified so far, said Johor’s health department on Feb 4, as authorities work to limit the disease’s spread.

The outbreak was first confirmed by the Kota Tinggi district health office on Jan 25, after the screening of more than 800 close contacts.

Of the 33 cases, 29 were from the Felda Sungai Mas area, Bernama reported Johor Health director Mohtar Pungut saying, with contact tracing for the positive cases being conducted.

One death was reported in the cluster, but it was not because of a TB infection, said the Johor health department.

All the patients are being closely monitored, said Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkely Ahmad on X, adding that the health ministry personnel were taking aggressive measures to prevent the cluster from getting bigger.

TB is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is transmitted through the air to close contacts, said the health department.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, significant weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats and coughing up blood, it added. The disease is preventable and fully curable through effective treatment, with a minimum treatment period of six months.

Kota Tinggi, around 60km from Johor Bahru, is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists, with the town known for its waterfalls and boat rides for firefly viewings.

Johor’s health department advised residents living in the affected area, especially those with a history of contact with TB patients, to go for a health screening at medical facilities to curb the disease’s spread.

The Straits Times has contacted Singapore’s Ministry of Health for comment.