KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded highest tuberculosis incidence in the country with 4,515 tuberculosis cases last year.
As of March this year, the state has also received 745 new cases with most patients are from here.
State Health Department director Dr Christina Rundi said despites the statistic had also shown increasing trend in the communicable disease, it might not represent the whole scenario in the state.
"We believe there are many undetected infected people, as they are not aware of the symptoms.
"However, it is important for them to seek immediate treatment as tuberculosis is curable," she said during the state-level World Tuberculosis day at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday.
Her speech was read by deputy director (public health division) Dr Jamail Muhi.
An untreated patient with active infection will further spread the disease between 10 and 15 people of close contacts.
"Judging on the gravity of the health burden, the department has been working closely with other agencies to screen and provide treatment for the people," Dr Christina added.
At present, there are 35 Tuberculosis treatment centres in the state including six in Kota Kinabalu district.
Among activities held to tackle the disease include health talk and showcasing testimonial video to increase awareness among people, the creation of Facebook page "TB information Resource Centre", and the training of "Rakan Stop TB" members who will educate the community.
The department had also presented "Tuberculosis prevention at workplace" kit for Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara, hospitals, and government agencies.
Also present was City Hall Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Ends.
As of March this year, the state has also received 745 new cases with most patients are from here.
State Health Department director Dr Christina Rundi said despites the statistic had also shown increasing trend in the communicable disease, it might not represent the whole scenario in the state.
"We believe there are many undetected infected people, as they are not aware of the symptoms.
"However, it is important for them to seek immediate treatment as tuberculosis is curable," she said during the state-level World Tuberculosis day at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday.
Her speech was read by deputy director (public health division) Dr Jamail Muhi.
An untreated patient with active infection will further spread the disease between 10 and 15 people of close contacts.
"Judging on the gravity of the health burden, the department has been working closely with other agencies to screen and provide treatment for the people," Dr Christina added.
At present, there are 35 Tuberculosis treatment centres in the state including six in Kota Kinabalu district.
Among activities held to tackle the disease include health talk and showcasing testimonial video to increase awareness among people, the creation of Facebook page "TB information Resource Centre", and the training of "Rakan Stop TB" members who will educate the community.
The department had also presented "Tuberculosis prevention at workplace" kit for Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara, hospitals, and government agencies.
Also present was City Hall Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Ends.
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