Tuberculosis Rises Again In Malaysia

Tuberculosis, once under control in Malaysia, is spreading again due to private doctors' failure to realise that the disease has re-emerged and has risen with the migration of people from high-risk countries. Kota Bharu, Malaysia. 22/08/2010

Stricken with coughs and fever, many seek prescribed medicines from clinics. When the ailment persists, they think the medicines are not working and seek another doctor for antibiotics. It can drag on for months. The tragedy of TB is that it is completely curable but in many cases, it was detected too late.

Misinformation about TB persists even among city folks. TB currently claims some 1,000 lives in Malaysia annually and infected 18,102 people last year. It is airborne and a source of infection can be nearer than expected.

Banners and sign board about Tuberculosis can bee seen at local clinic and road side at Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia as part health ministry to educating people to fight Tuberculosis as locally known as 'TB'.