{
  "id": 13327882,
  "title": "Haze-related respiratory infections rise 10.43pct, conjunctivitis up 26.47pct",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/haze-related-respiratory-infections-rise-10-43pct-conjunctivitis-up",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-10T04:55:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1552263/haze-related-respiratory-infections-rise-1043pct-conjunctivitis-2647pct"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA - Upper respiratory tract infections have surged by 10.43 percent, while conjunctivitis cases have surged 26.47 percent due to haze, according to monitoring conducted at 78 health facilities across Malaysia by the Health Ministry. The ministry revealed that upper respiratory tract infections increased from 3,509 in Epidemiological Week 39 to 3,875 in EW40, while conjunctivitis cases rose from 102 to 129 during the same timeframe. In contrast, asthma cases declined by 13.64 percent, falling from 535 to 462.\n\nThe Health Ministry emphasized the importance of continued surveillance on haze-related illnesses as exposure to polluted air can adversely impact health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. As of 8 am today, 32 air quality monitoring stations in eight states and two Federal Territories reported Air Pollutant Index (API) readings ranging from 101 to 200, indicating unhealthy air quality.\n\nThe ministry recommended that the public, especially those residing in areas with unhealthy API readings, take necessary precautions. This includes avoiding or deferring outdoor activities, using suitable face masks like N95 masks when outdoors, and motorists should slow down or stop safely if visibility is compromised.\n\nFurthermore, the ministry urged the public to regularly check API readings via official Department of Environment (DOE) channels and to take appropriate measures based on local air quality conditions. The ministry also reminded the public to remain vigilant, minimize exposure, and prioritize their health and the health of their families.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA: Cases of upper respiratory tract infections rose 10.43 per cent, while conjunctivitis cases increased 26.47 per cent, according to haze-related disease monitoring at 78 selected Health Ministry facilities nationwide.",
  "key_points": [
    "Upper respiratory infections rise 10.43% due to haze",
    "Conjunctivitis cases surge 26.47% during same period",
    "Asthma cases decline 13.64% in Malaysia"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The haze surge in respiratory issues and conjunctivitis cases signals growing health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, prompting the Health Ministry to advise precautions and continued air quality monitoring.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}