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THE Ministry of Health has confirmed a tuberculosis cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor, detected on 25 January, with 33 positive cases identified from the screening of 804 close contacts as of 4 February.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said ministry teams are currently on the ground and have taken aggressive measures to curb the spread of the outbreak.
“All patients who tested positive have received treatment and are being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health,” he said in a post on X late on Monday night.
Dzulkefly said one death had been reported within the cluster, but confirmed that it was not caused by tuberculosis infection.
He said the ministry remains on high alert, with active case detection efforts continuing to ensure the safety of the local community.
Dzulkefly also urged residents in the surrounding areas who are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever or night sweats to undergo health screening immediately and not wait until their condition becomes more serious.
He advised the public not to spread false information that could cause unnecessary panic.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air to individuals in close proximity.
Symptoms of TB include a prolonged cough, significant weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats and coughing up blood.
The disease is preventable and fully curable through effective treatment, with a minimum treatment duration of six months. - February 5, 2026
