TANAH MERAH, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan State Health Department (JKNK) has confirmed three tuberculosis (TB) clusters in Kelantan involving two districts, with nine positive cases detected so far.
Its director, Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob, said that all of them (the patients) were detected to have tuberculosis in December last year and preventive measures have been taken, including screening the family and close contacts to prevent the spread of the outbreak.
"Two clusters in Kota Bharu are in Guchil Bayam (two cases) and Kampung Padang Salim (three cases), while the other cluster is in Bachok (four cases)," he said to reporters after officiating the Diabetes Health Literacy Outreach Programme at Masjid Mukim Batu 11 here today.
Elaborating further, Dr. Mohd Azman said that his team has also taken preventive measures, especially involving educational institutions, and if anyone has symptoms such as a persistent cough and loss of appetite, they should immediately see a doctor for further treatment.
He said that besides the tuberculosis outbreak, his team is also focusing on the issue of obesity among the people in this state.
"This issue needs to be taken seriously because it will cause diabetes problems and ultimately affect the quality of life and financial pressure on patients to seek treatment," he said.
Meanwhile, in another development, Dr. Mohd Azman said his department, through the Food Safety and Quality Division, has conducted briefing sessions for food operators and traders who have obtained business licences at this year's Ramadan bazaar.
"This briefing has started and is expected to be completed next week to ensure that food operators and traders provide clean, quality, and healthy food to the public.
"Last year, a total of 228 fines were issued to traders at the Ramadan bazaar for not adhering to the set guidelines. I hope this year no fines will be issued," he added.
--BERNAMA
