Tuberculosis case identified in Bedok following community screening

Singapore’s health ministry confirmed yesterday that a resident of Bedok was found to have active tuberculosis after taking part in a routine screening exercise. The screening, which ran for a few days at a local polyclinic, turned up just one positive case – a small number, but one that prompted swift action.

Officials said the patient, whose identity is being kept confidential for privacy reasons, showed no severe symptoms at the time of testing. Nonetheless, once the lab results came back, the Ministry of Health immediately launched contact‑tracing efforts, reaching out to family members, close friends and anyone who might have shared indoor spaces with the individual during the past few weeks.

“Tuberculosis is still a disease we need to keep an eye on, even though Singapore’s overall rates are low,” said Dr. Lee Hsien Loong, senior consultant at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. “Early detection through community screening can make a huge difference, because treatment is highly effective when started promptly.”

The health ministry reminded the public that TB is contagious but curable, and that common signs include a persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss and fever. If anyone experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks, they are urged to visit a clinic without delay. The standard six‑month drug regimen has a success rate of over 90 %, especially when patients complete the full course.

So far, all close contacts have been screened and, according to the latest update, none have tested positive. The screening programme in Bedok, which was part of a broader effort to catch asymptomatic cases, will continue in other districts over the coming months. Authorities are confident that with continued vigilance and public cooperation, Singapore can keep its TB numbers well under control.