Kes asma, jangkitan saluran pernafasan naik mendadak ekoran jerebu

Pertubuhan Kesihatan Malaysia reported a dramatic increase in asthma and respiratory infections in several parts of the country, particularly in Sarawak. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said seven regions recorded unhealthy air quality index (AQI) at 8 a.m., all located in Sarawak. According to epidemiological monitoring between weeks 32 and 33, asthma cases surged by 259%, while upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) rose by 124%.

URTI accounted for the majority at 3,674 cases, up from 1,637, while asthma cases increased to 219 from 61. Conjunctivitis cases decreased by 7%, from 157 to 146. Minister Dzulkefly also noted that 90 heat-related illnesses were reported, mostly due to heat exhaustion (71 cases), followed by heat stroke (14 cases) and heat agitation (five cases).

As for air quality, seven regions were unhealthy at 8 a.m., including Serian (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Sarikei (128) and Samarahan (176), all in Sarawak. "Other regions such as Sungai Petani, Kedah and Taiping, Perak were at level 126," he said at a media briefing after inaugurating the Wellness Hub Kuala Selangor and the K-Mindset Community Wellness Program in Kuala Selangor.

Minister Dzulkefly added that eight heat stroke cases involved Sukma Selangor Sports Complex, with only one requiring further hospitalization. However, the situation remained under close medical surveillance, he said. He advised the public to be more vigilant and seek immediate treatment if they experience symptoms, avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight and not staying too long in the sun.