KUCHING: The reporting of 257 tuberculosis (TB) cases within just five weeks of 2026 has raised concern among public health experts, who warn that the trend could signal either improved detection or a genuine increase in infections in Sarawak.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ public health medicine specialist, Prof. Dr Helmy Hazmii, said the numbers are significant and warrant close attention.
“Reporting 257 cases in just five weeks into 2026 is indeed concerning. That is akin to having 50 new cases a week or every day seven new persons infected.
“It is either our health system is doing a great job, effectively detecting cases, or it is a true reflection of a higher than usual infection in the state. The latter could be due to many reasons,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He said individuals who have close contact with someone infected with TB should be particularly vigilant, even if they feel well.
“In this context, ‘close contact’ refers to people who share the same indoor airspace for a significant amount of time and in close proximity such as family members living in the same house, office workers sharing the same workspace and students in classrooms,” he added.
“Those living in crowded environments such as hostels or prisons also face higher exposure risks if an active case is present.”
People with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer, as well as the elderly and those undergoing chemotherapy, are more vulnerable due to weakened immune systems.
Dr Helmy also said lifestyle factors play a role and smokers as well as vape users should be particularly cautious.
“The smoke and heat from these products damage the cilia which is the tiny hair cells lining the breathing system that sweep out bacteria, thus making it much easier for TB to take root in the lungs,” she added.
He stressed that simple preventive measures can reduce the risk of transmission within households and communities, including ensuring proper ventilation.
“TB bacteria thrive in dark, stagnant and poorly ventilated rooms. Keep curtains open during the day to let sunlight into living and sleeping areas, as the UV rays from sunlight can kill the TB bacteria,” Dr Helmy advised.
At the same time, he also encouraged good cough etiquette and mask use in crowded or poorly ventilated settings, adding that anyone with a cough lasting more than two weeks should seek medical attention.
“If a family member has a cough that lasts two weeks, take them to the health clinic for check-ups,” Dr Helmy said.
He stressed that all household members should be screened if one person is diagnosed, as latent TB can be treated before becoming active, and families should support members undergoing treatment to prevent incomplete treatment that could lead to drug-resistant TB strains.
“Anyone who suspects exposure to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest health clinic and to provide a clear history of possible exposure, particularly if they have been in close contact with someone who is TB-positive,” he explained further.
“Healthcare workers will then assess risk and arrange screening such as chest X-rays or skin tests.”
Dr Helmy urged individuals identified as close contacts to comply with follow-up requirements and provide emotional support to family members undergoing treatment.
“If you are diagnosed as a case, you must commit to completing the full treatment regime to ensure a complete recovery. Preventive treatment may be offered to those at risk.”
