{
  "id": 2739731,
  "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",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T06:48:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "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 Malaysian Health Ministry has reported a significant rise in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases due to haze conditions affecting multiple regions across the country. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed that during epidemiological week 32 to 33, asthma cases surged by 259%, surpassing 219, compared to the previous 61 cases. URTI cases jumped by 124%, reaching 3,674, up from 1,637. Conjunctivitis cases, however, experienced a slight decline of 7%, dropping to 146 from 157 cases. Dzulkefly pointed out that seven areas, including five in Sarawak and two in Kedah, recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 8 am today. In Kedah, the State Health Department warned the public, particularly in Sungai Petani and Alor Setar, to limit outdoor activities due to the hazardous air quality. Sungai Petani reported an API reading of 149 at 10 am, while Alor Setar registered a moderate level of 94. The ministry advised high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions, to take extra precautions when API levels are deemed unhealthy. The Health Ministry also reported 90 heat-related illness cases, comprising 71 heat exhaustion cases, 14 heatstroke cases, and five heat cramps cases. Most of the heatstroke incidents involved Malaysia Games (SUKMA) participants in Selangor, with only one requiring hospitalization. Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of vigilance, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and seeking immediate medical attention if any symptoms arise.",
  "summary": "KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 23 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded a sharp increase in asthma and upper respirator...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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",
        "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."
}