{
  "id": 2738571,
  "title": "Health Ministry reports surge in respiratory illnesses as several areas hit unhealthy API levels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/health-ministry-reports-surge-in-respiratory-illnesses-as-several",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:48:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/23/health-ministry-reports-surge-in-respiratory-illnesses-as-several-areas-hit-unhealthy-api-levels/232408"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 23 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a significant surge in respiratory illnesses as several areas across the country have been experiencing unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad highlighted a sharp increase in asthma cases, with a 259 per cent rise from 61 to 219 cases, and a 124 per cent surge in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) cases from 1,637 to 3,674. Conjunctivitis cases, however, saw a decline of seven per cent, dropping from 157 to 146 cases. The Ministry's report came as seven areas, including five in Sarawak (Serian, Kuching, Sri Aman, Samarahan, and Sarikei) and two in Kedah (Sungai Petani and Alor Setar), recorded unhealthy API readings. Health Department advisories recommended reducing outdoor activities for individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, using respiratory protection when needed, staying hydrated, and avoiding areas with smoke and pollution. The public was also urged to monitor API levels before engaging in outdoor activities and to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing any symptoms. Dzulkefly further mentioned that 90 cases of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and heat cramps, had been recorded, with eight of the cases linked to participants in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor. The medical task force reported that the situation was under control.",
  "summary": "KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 23 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded a sharp increase in asthma and upper respirator...",
  "key_points": [
    "Respiratory illnesses surge 259% in asthma cases, 124% in URTI cases",
    "Seven areas, including Sarawak and Kedah, report unhealthy API levels",
    "Heat-related illnesses total 90, linked to Malaysia Games participants"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The surge in respiratory illnesses signals a growing public health concern, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions, as unhealthy air quality levels persist in multiple areas nationwide.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "7 areas in 4 states record unhealthy API readings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/7-areas-in-4-states-record-unhealthy-api-readings",
        "published": "2026-08-23T02:53:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Health Ministry reports surge in respiratory illnesses as several areas hit unhealthy API levels",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/health-ministry-reports-surge-in-respiratory-illnesses-as-several-2739731",
        "published": "2026-08-23T06:48:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}