Auto Added by WPeMatico
BUKIT MERTAJAM — Tuberculosis, or TB, remains among the top five most reported infectious diseases in Penang, with heavy smokers and the elderly, particularly men, identified as high-risk groups.
State Health deputy director (Public Health Division) Dr Rozaini Mat Shah said they are more susceptible to the infection due to a weakened immune system and the harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system.
“Based on last year’s observations, most TB cases involved senior citizens (aged 60 and above), primarily men, particularly Malay men.
“Through the data obtained, we identified several high-risk groups, and public health efforts and interventions will be more focused on these groups,” she told reporters after officiating the state-level World TB Day celebration and the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Roadshow for Seberang Perai Tengah 2025, here today.
Dr Rozaini said that according to last year’s statistics, 1,273 new and recurring TB cases were reported in Penang, compared to 1,303 cases in 2023, with 125 deaths recorded, down from 156 the previous year.
She said despite a 2.3 per cent decrease, TB remains the state’s top five infectious diseases, which include dengue fever, food poisoning, and hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
According to her, the Penang State Health Department will consistently intensify TB-related health education programmes.
Dr Rozaini urged the public to lead a healthy lifestyle as a preventive measure against diseases.
She said World Tuberculosis Day, observed on March 24, aims to raise public awareness about tuberculosis and its prevention. — BERNAMA
RELATED ARTICLES
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Kerjaya Prospek achieves RM1.5b contract wins in 2020
Friday, January 12, 2024
Penangites relieved as water supply gradually restored
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Penang Silicon Design @5km+ will strengthen Malaysia’s position in global semiconductor landscape
Monday, January 29, 2024
Sungai Perai pipe connection work to take 16 hours – Penang CM
Friday, June 14, 2024
Penang Second Bridge closed on June 23 for 2024 Pantai Marathon
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Influenza: 53 students infected in Penang
The post TB: One of the top five infectious diseases for smokers, elderly men in Penang appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
