{
  "id": 2745462,
  "title": "Spike in asthma, respiratory cases amid haze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/spike-in-asthma-respiratory-cases-amid-haze",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T07:07:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/23/spike-in-asthma-respiratory-cases-amid-haze"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The health ministry has observed a significant surge in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases due to the haze impacting multiple regions in Malaysia. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reported a staggering 259% increase in asthma cases and a 124% rise in URTI cases over the past two weeks. URTI cases specifically jumped from 1,637 to 3,674, while asthma cases increased from 61 to 219 cases. Conjunctivitis cases, however, saw a slight decline of 7%, dropping from 157 to 146 cases. Additionally, there have been 90 reported cases of heat-related illnesses, including 71 heat exhaustion cases, 14 heatstroke cases, and five heat cramps cases. The minister cautioned the public to remain cautious, limit exposure to sunlight, and seek immediate medical help if symptoms arise. Seven locations, including five in Sarawak and two in Perak, recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings, with API levels reaching 197 in Serian, 185 in Kuching, 178 in Sri Aman, 176 in Samarahan, and 128 in Sarikei. The state health department in Kedah recommended reduced outdoor activities for high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions, during periods of unhealthy API levels.",
  "summary": "Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says asthma cases have risen by 259%, and upper respiratory tract infection cases by 124%.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : MOH Records Rise In Asthma, Urti Cases Amid Haze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/general-moh-records-rise-in-asthma-urti-cases-amid-haze",
        "published": "2026-08-23T04:59:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Spike in asthma, respiratory cases amid haze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/spike-in-asthma-respiratory-cases-amid-haze-2745496",
        "published": "2026-08-23T07:07:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}