Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded a sharp increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases amid haze conditions affecting several areas in the country. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad noted that monitoring between epidemiological week (EW) 32 and 33 showed asthma cases increased by 259 percent, while URTI cases rose by 124 percent.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, conjunctivitis cases decreased by seven percent over the same period. URTI recorded the highest number at 3,674 cases, an increase from 1,637, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 cases. Conjunctivitis cases dropped to 146 from 157 cases. Dr Dzulkefly made these remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the Wellness Hub Kuala Selangor and the Prosperous Mind Community Outreach Programme (K-Mindset).
Dzulkefly mentioned that seven areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8 am today. Five of these areas were in Sarawak, namely Serian (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176), and Sarikei (128). The other areas with unhealthy API readings 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. A statement on its official Facebook page reported that Sungai Petani recorded an API reading of 149, categorized as unhealthy, while Alor Setar recorded a moderate reading of 94. The department urged high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions, to exercise greater caution when the API reaches unhealthy levels.
The department also advised the public to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, use suitable respiratory protection when necessary, drink sufficient water, avoid smoking and areas with smoke and pollution, and check the latest API readings before planning outdoor activities.
Regarding heat-related illnesses, Dzulkefly reported 90 cases had been recorded, comprising 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 heatstroke cases, and five heat cramps cases. Statistics from EW 30 to 32 showed the number of reported cases ranged between two and three cases respectively. However, the latest EW statistics up to today recorded nine cases, primarily related to heatstroke.
He noted that eight of the heatstroke cases involved participants in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, with only one requiring further treatment in a hospital ward. Dzulkefly assured that the situation remains under control with close monitoring by the medical task force. He also advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms.