Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says asthma cases have risen by 259%, and upper respiratory tract infection cases by 124%.
Its minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad said asthma cases have spiked by 259% while URTI cases have increased by 124% over the past two weeks.
“URTI recorded the highest number at 3,674 cases, an increase from 1,637, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 cases,” he told reporters after officiating a programme in Kuala Selangor, Bernama reported.
Conjunctivitis cases, meanwhile, dropped to 146 from 157 cases – a 7% decrease.
Dzulkefly also said 90 cases of heat-related illnesses have been recorded over the past two weeks, comprising 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 heatstroke cases, and five heat cramps cases.
He said eight of the heatstroke cases involved participants in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor, with only one requiring further treatment at a hospital.
Dzulkefly also advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
He said seven areas recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as of 8am today. Five of the areas – Serian (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176) and Sarikei (128) – are in Sarawak.
The other areas were Sungai Petani, Kedah, and Taiping, Perak, both recording an API reading of 126.
In Kedah, the state health department advised the public, particularly those in Sungai Petani and Alor Setar, to reduce outdoor activities due to the haze.
The department advised high-risk groups, including children, the elderly and those with heart or respiratory conditions, to exercise greater caution when the API reaches unhealthy levels.
It also urged the public to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, use suitable respiratory protection when necessary, drink sufficient water, and check the latest API readings before planning outdoor activities. - FMT
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