Who might develop active tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
It is spread through “close and prolonged exposure”, usually days to weeks, said Mr Ong. A person may get tuberculosis if they live or work daily with a person who is infected.
“They cannot get (tuberculosis) by sharing cups, utensils or food, through hand shaking, or having the occasional meal at the hawker centre,” said Mr Ong in a Facebook post on Sunday.
According to MOH, the risk of progression from latent tuberculosis to active tuberculosis is higher in people who have underlying medical conditions such as HIV infection and diabetes.
Those who have a weakened immune system – due to drugs or sickness – or have poor nutritional status may also develop active tuberculosis. Substance abusers and drug addicts are also at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that babies and children are at higher risk and may develop symptoms.
How do I know I have tuberculosis?
Unlike infection, a person who develops tuberculosis disease will have symptoms. These may be mild for many months, said the WHO.
Some common symptoms of tuberculosis disease are chest pain or a prolonged cough, sometimes with blood. The person may also feel weak or fatigued, and get fever and night sweats. They may also lose weight.
The WHO urges those at increased risk to get tested.
“Early detection is key. If you have a persistent cough that lasts three weeks or longer, you should consult a doctor immediately,” said MOH.
The doctor may ask the person to go for a chest x-ray or they may be referred to a specialist for further clinical and lab investigations.
Mr Ong said that the screening exercise in Bukit Merah was a precautionary measure to identify cases among those who live and work in the area.
People who frequently visit – or have spent more than 12 hours per month between November 2021 and January 2024 – the market can also voluntarily go for screening.
This is to ensure that those who are infected can be treated to further reduce the risk of transmission.
“The vast majority of us don’t fall into this category so please go ahead and enjoy the good food at ABC. Let’s support our hawkers,” said Mr Ong.