Kes asma, jangkitan saluran pernafasan naik mendadak ekoran jerebu

At 8am yesterday, seven regions were reported to have unhealthy air quality, all located in Sarawak, according to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Ministry of Health (KKM) is monitoring a sudden increase in asthma cases and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) caused by a recent heatwave affecting several areas in the country.

Dzulkefly stated that between epidemiological week 32 and 33, asthma cases rose by 259% while URTI cases increased by 124%. URTI was recorded at 3,674 cases, up from 1,637, while asthma accounted for 219 cases compared to 61 cases previously. Conversely, conjunctivitis cases decreased by 7%, or 146 cases, from 157 cases. Meanwhile, eight heat-related illnesses were reported, mainly heat exhaustion (71 cases), heatstroke (14 cases), and heat agitation (five cases).

Regarding air quality, at 8am today, seven regions showed unhealthy air pollution levels, including Sarat (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Sarikei (128), and Samarahan (176), all in Sarawak. "Other areas include Sungai Petani, Kedah, and Taiping, Perak, at level 126," he said at a media briefing after inaugurating the Wellness Hub Kuala Selangor and K-Mindset Community Wellness Program in Kuala Selangor, according to Bernama.

Dzulkefly added that among the eight heatstroke cases reported, six occurred at the National Sports Complex (Sukma) Selangor, with only one requiring further hospitalization. However, the situation remains under close observation by medical personnel teams. He advised the public to be vigilant about the weather conditions and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms.