By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 27:A Respiratory-related illnesses have risen sharply amid the haze affecting several areas nationwide, with cases of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) increasing by 124.4 per cent.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said URTI cases rose to 3,674 in epidemiological week (EW) 33, from 1,637 in EW 32.
Asthma cases also surged by 259 per cent, rising to 158 from 61 over the same period, while conjunctivitis cases declined slightly to 146 from 157.
“MOH continues to intensify daily monitoring of haze-related illnesses through haze sentinel health facilities, comprising 58 health clinics and 18 hospital outpatient departments nationwide, to assess the impact on the health of people in affected areas,” it said.
The ministry said it would also strengthen preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of haze on public health, including enhancing surveillance of haze-related illnesses and medical services at health facilities to ensure patients receive appropriate assessment and treatment.
MOH will also ensure adequate supplies of healthcare personnel, medicines and medical equipment at hospitals and health clinics to maintain continuity of services and treatment.
“The ministry will also ensure that air-conditioning and ventilation systems at health facilities function optimally, while intensifying health education and risk communication activities for the public, particularly high-risk groups,” it said.
MOH advised members of the public, particularly young children and those with chronic respiratory and heart diseases living in areas with unhealthy air quality, to avoid outdoor activities and use appropriate face masks.
It also advised that outdoor events involving strenuous physical activity be postponed, while urging those with chronic respiratory and heart diseases to adhere to their medication schedules and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.
“MOH will continue to monitor developments in the haze situation and its impact on public health, and adjust the level of health preparedness and response based on current risk assessments,” it said.
The public can find preventive measures to reduce the health effects of haze on the MOH’s Info Sihat website at https://infosihat.moh.gov.my/isu-semasa/51-jerebu.html. — Bernama
