KUALA LUMPUR: Asthma cases in the country have surged amid deteriorating air quality caused by the haze affecting several areas nationwide, with 1,811 cases recorded during epidemiological week (EW) 34 (Aug 23-29), compared with 219 cases in the previous week.
The Health Ministry, in a statement Saturday (Aug 29), said the figures were based on surveillance data from sentinel facilities.
It said cases of conjunctivitis also rose to 720 from 146 in EW 33, while acute respiratory tract infections (URTI) fell by 50%, from 3,674 to 1,857 cases.
"No deaths linked to complications arising from the haze have been reported. However, monitoring through the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been stepped up," the statement said.
On air quality, the ministy said 30 of the 68 Air Pollutant Index (API) monitoring stations recorded unhealthy or very unhealthy readings as of 8am Saturday, with Sri Aman, Sarawak recording the highest reading of 222, classified as very unhealthy.
Other states and federal territories recording unhealthy API readings were Perak, Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Johor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak.
Following the rise in respiratory-related illnesses, the ministry advised the public, particularly high-risk groups such as children, senior citizens and those with chronic lung conditions, to limit outdoor physical activities.
The public is also advised to wear suitable masks, such as N95 masks, when outdoors and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
"Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if you experience breathing difficulties, persistent coughing or eye irritation," it said. - Bernama
