{
  "id": 3705178,
  "title": "MOH: Haze triggers sharp rise in respiratory infections, asthma cases nationwide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/moh-haze-triggers-sharp-rise-in-respiratory-infections-asthma-cases",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-27T08:16:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Borneo Post Online",
    "slug": "borneo-post-online",
    "url": "https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/08/27/moh-haze-triggers-sharp-rise-in-respiratory-infections-asthma-cases-nationwide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a significant surge in respiratory infections and asthma cases across Malaysia due to haze, according to new surveillance data. The increase raises concerns and emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring of haze-related illnesses, particularly in regions with persistently poor air quality.\n\nNationwide health clinics and hospital outpatient departments recorded a staggering 3,674 cases of acute respiratory tract infections in the epidemiological week (ME) 33, representing a massive 124.4% rise from the 1,637 cases reported in the previous week, ME 32. Asthma cases also saw a dramatic 259% increase, with 219 cases in ME 33 compared to just 61 cases in ME 32. However, there was a slight decline in conjunctivitis cases, from 157 in ME 32 to 146 in ME 33.\n\nThe MOH issued a warning, urging individuals in areas with unhealthy air quality to limit outdoor activities, especially children and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions. They advised using appropriate masks and postponing strenuous outdoor activities to prevent further exposure to polluted air. Those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions were specifically instructed to continue their prescribed medications and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsened.\n\nThe ministry reiterated its commitment to bolster its preparedness and health response to mitigate the impact of haze on public health. This includes enhancing disease surveillance, medical services, and ensuring adequate healthcare resources are available at hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the MOH will continue health education and risk communication efforts, particularly targeting high-risk groups at the state and district levels, to promote preventive measures and raise awareness of the dangers posed by haze.",
  "summary": "KUCHING (Aug 27): Haze-related health surveillance nationwide has recorded a sharp increase in cases of acute respiratory tract infection and asthma, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). The ministry said in a statement today that monitoring at 58 haze sentinel health clinics and 18 hospital outpatient departments nationwide recorded 3,674 cases of acute respiratory [...] The post MOH: Haze…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Haze: Health Ministry prepares for possible spike in asthma, respiratory infections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/haze-health-ministry-prepares-for-possible-spike-in-asthma",
        "published": "2026-08-26T09:51:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}