Johor bahru: A significant majority of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in Johor's Kota Tinggi district have been traced back to Felda Sungai Mas, with 29 out of 33 cases reported from this area, according to Johor Health director Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohtar noted that the age breakdown of those affected is currently unavailable. He assured the public that the situation is under control, with close contacts of the infected individuals being instructed to undergo screening at designated health clinics. Residents have been advised to maintain personal hygiene and follow health guidelines to prevent further spread of TB.

The Johor State Health Department has been proactive in implementing preventive measures, including contact tracing for those who have tested positive. The Kota Tinggi District Health Office is actively conducting TB screenings for all identified close contacts at specific health clinics.

Mohtar emphasized that TB treatment is being managed in line with established guidelines, with coordination among family medicine specialists, respiratory specialists, paediatric specialists, and paediatric respiratory specialists in Johor. Community engagement sessions have been conducted with local residents, schools, the District Education Office, and the Felda office to enhance awareness and understanding of TB.

Targeted health promotion activities are underway, including individual counseling and mass media dissemination of informational posters. For those who test negative for TB, screening for Latent TB Infection (LTBI) is performed, and preventive treatment is provided if LTBI is detected.

Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that the TB cluster was identified on January 25, with 33 positive cases confirmed following the testing of 804 close contacts as of February 4.