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KUCHING: The two E-Mart Matang staff members who were earlier infected with tuberculosis (TB) do not pose a health threat to the public.
Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said both cases tested negative during a recent sputum collection test, meaning the disease had not progressed into their saliva or mucus and was currently non-infectious.
“The negative test results meant that they do not spread the disease to others (non-infectious status). However, both cases still need to undergo TB treatment until they are fully recovered,” she said in statement tonight (Feb 28).
The statement came in response to viral posts on social media regarding TB cases reported at the shopping centre.
According to Dr Jamilah, the first case was detected on Jan 10 while the second one was detected on Feb 4.
Following this, the Kuching Health Office through its TB Control Unit had identified 158 contacts related to the infected victims to undergo tests.
The management of E-Mart Matang has also ensured that all of its staff have undergone X-ray tests at Petra Jaya Health Clinic and a private medical facility.
“TB is an airborne disease. Those with suspected symptoms are advised to undergo tests.
“TB can be detected through a sputum test and chest X-ray. Normally, a patient will fully recover after undergoing six months of treatment,” Dr Jamilah explained.