Kuala lumpur: Respiratory-related cases have surged significantly amid the haze affecting several areas nationwide, with cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) increasing by 124.4%.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that URTI cases rose to 3,674 in epidemiological week (EW) 33 from 1,637 in EW 32. Asthma cases also saw an increase of 259%, climbing to 158 from 61 over the same period, while cases of conjunctivitis decreased to 146 from 157.

The Ministry stated that it would enhance daily monitoring of haze-related illnesses through haze sentinel health facilities, which include 58 health clinics and 18 hospital outpatient departments nationwide. These measures aim to assess the impact on the health of people in affected areas.

Additionally, the MOH will bolster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of the haze on public health. This includes strengthening surveillance of haze-related illnesses and ensuring that medical services at health facilities are capable of providing appropriate assessment and treatment for patients.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of ensuring that healthcare personnel, medicines, and medical equipment at hospitals and health clinics are adequately equipped to maintain continuity of services and treatment for patients. Efforts will also be made to ensure that air-conditioning and ventilation systems at health facilities function optimally. Health education and risk communication activities for the public, particularly high-risk groups, will be intensified.

Public advisories have been issued, especially for young children and those with chronic respiratory and heart diseases in areas with unhealthy air quality, to avoid outdoor activities and use appropriate face masks. The Ministry also recommended postponing outdoor events involving strenuous physical activity and reminded those with chronic respiratory and heart diseases to adhere to their medication schedules and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.

The MOH pledged to continue monitoring the developments of the haze situation and its impact on public health, adjusting the level of health preparedness and response based on current risk assessments.

For preventive measures to reduce the health effects of haze, the public is encouraged to visit the MOH's Info Sihat website at https://infosihat.moh.gov.my/isu-semasa/51-jerebu.html.