Perlis: A total of 21 tuberculosis (TB) cases have been recorded in Perlis since last January, Perlis health director Dr Ghazali Chik said. The department has also been carrying out various ongoing prevention and control activities through district health offices and health clinics to ensure the spread of the infectious disease can be contained, he said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current number of cases is still under control. Dr Ghazali emphasized the ongoing prevention and control activities being conducted through district health offices and health clinics. He shared these insights with reporters after attending the Food Safety Kick-Off Programme at the Arau Ramadan Bazaar. The programme was officiated by Perlis Agriculture, Health, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and Environment Committee chairman Megat Hashirat Hassan.

Dr Ghazali highlighted that TB advocacy is being conducted at Ramadan bazaars, where the public is being educated about the symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of early screening for the disease. He urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as prolonged cough, weight loss, and loss of appetite to seek immediate examination at health clinics for further tests, including sputum examination and X-rays.

He stressed the importance of early detection and immediate treatment to prevent complications and reduce the risk of infection to others in the community.