PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has recorded a sharp rise in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and asthma cases as haze continues to affect several parts of the country.
URTI cases rose 124.4%, from 1,637 in the 32nd epidemiological week to 3,674 the following week, while asthma cases jumped 259%, from 61 to 219.
Conjunctivitis cases, however, fell slightly from 157 to 146.
“The ministry is aware that the number of areas with unhealthy air quality has reduced from 31 on Aug 25 to 17 at 8am today (yesterday).
“However, the haze in several parts of Sarawak continues, while the haze in other areas appears to be more temporary in nature.
“The ministry will continue monitoring haze-related illnesses to assess the impact of the haze on residents in affected areas,” it said in a statement yesterday.
As of 10.45am yesterday, five areas recorded unhealthy air quality.
Samarahan recorded the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) reading at 163, followed by Serian at 161 and Sri Aman at 156, all in Sarawak.
Cheras in Kuala Lumpur recorded an API reading of 127, while Johan Setia in Selangor recorded 111.
The ministry advised the public, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to take precautions and limit prolonged outdoor activities when air quality deteriorates.
Meanwhile, water reserves are also coming under pressure, with nine dams nationwide at warning level and two at alert level amid the prolonged dry spell.
Sungai Pagar Dam in Labuan remains at critical level, while Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis has improved from critical to warning level.
In Kedah, Muda Dam is also being closely monitored, with its water level at 86.85m, just below the critical threshold of 86.90m, and storage at 10.36%.
Johor has the highest number of dams at warning level, with six reservoirs affected: Lower Layang, Upper Layang, Lebam, Gunung Pulai 1, Gunung Pulai 2 and Pontian Kechil.
