Anyone exposed can be infected with TB - Dr Noor Hisham

PUTRAJAYA - Anyone who is exposed to the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria spread through air is at risk of contracting Tuberculosis (TB).

Former health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said TB is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria.

"Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that most commonly affect the lung function and spread through air," he told Sinar.

Dr Noor Hisham said the disease can be treated and cured, but neglecting aspects of treatment could lead to death.

"Every day, nearly 4,500 people worldwide lose their lives due to TB and almost 30,000 people fall ill," he said.

He was commenting on the two per cent rise in deaths attributed to TB last year.

It was reported that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said a total of 2,623 TB-related deaths were recorded last year.

He said a total of 26,781 TB cases were reported the same year, recording an increase of 1,390 or 5.47 per cent compared to 25,391 cases during the same period the previous year.

Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham advised the public to always monitor their health status and seek treatment promptly if necessary.

"If you have a persistent cough for two weeks or more, get yourself checked at a clinic or hospital," he said.