Swift efforts to detect TB as Ministry plans to screen 300,000 people

PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is increasing its health screening exercise to 300,000 individuals in a swift effort to detect patients with tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious diseases, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix).
"Currently the ministry has recorded up to 25,000 cases a year involving TB which is more or less a stable number.
"This year our target is 300,000 individuals to be screened at areas which the ministry thinks are high risk.
"This is how we are going to detect cases.
"The more the health authorities screen, the more (cases) will be picked up
"The figures will go up but it is a good sign for the ministry because we are containing the signs of spreading," he told reporters at the Health Ministry, here, today.
He added without the necessary treatment, chances of TB being spread remains high.
"With proper treatment of up to two to three weeks, TB patients will not be able to spread it to others, hence reducing the risk of new cases," he added.
Subramaniam was responding to a report on the rise in deaths due to TB in comparison to dengue and HIV-related complications.
On the other hand, he opined that leptospirosis as a "public health" issue because people have allowed the breeding of rodents in their environment.
"Malaysians must make sure they do not dispose food irresponsibly, especially at hawker centres, public parks and waterfalls which allows rodents to feed and breed in that environment, and increasing the risk of infection," he said.
Meanwhile, Subramaniam announced that the ministry is fully prepared to handle rabies cases involving humans and animals.
"For high risk cases, individuals will be given anti-rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin in an effort to cure them.
"However, those bitten by animals such as dogs should immediately wash the wound and admit themselves at the nearest hospital or clinic for it to be effective as any delay would render the vaccines useless," he said.
Pet owners, he said are also advised to send their animals to the veterinarian for their anti-rabies injection.