MELAKA: The number of tuberculosis cases here is worrying with around 500 recorded annually.
Melaka State Health Department (JKNM) director, Datuk Dr Rusli Abd Rahman said that the figure shown was disturbing as up to Epid Week 12 this year, there were 127 cases recorded.
He said during the same period last year, cases recorded were 107.
"Actually the number of cases of tuberculosis (also known as TB) in Melaka is quite high which is around 20 people for every 100,000 people and this is a figure that is worrisome and a cause for concern.
"This means that there are around 500 people each year that get infected with TB because we have about a million people and throughout last year there were 510 cases of recorded by JKNM," he said.
He said this during a press conference after the Food Safety checks and observation programme at the Peringgit Ramadan Bazaar yesterday.
He also said out of 127 cases during the Epid Week 12, the Melaka Tengah district recorded the highest number of cases at 88.
This is followed by the district of Alor Gajah with 35 cases and 10 cases for the district of Jasin.
"Therefore JKNM is requesting that those with symptoms and signs of being infected by tuberculosis such as having fever at night and prolonged coughing for more than a week to go to the nearest health clinic and undergo a thorough medical examination.
"Now there is a swift, quick way to detect the tuberculosis germs, so my advice is to get immediate medical attention," he said.
Meanwhile, Rusdi said that from the checks and inspections carried out in and around the bazaars, there were still traders who did not follow the proper food handling procedures such as not wearing an apron and head cover, having long fingernails and wearing accessories like rings and bracelets.
"They have been advised and given ample warnings. If it still persists then, during the next round of inspection, we will issue compounds and there will be no more compromise," he warned.