Health · Public Health & Disease · 2 days ago
Malaysia reports rise in respiratory and eye infections amid prolonged haze
Malaysia’s Health Ministry says cases of upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis have risen amid haze that has lasted for several weeks in some areas.
Data from 78 selected healthcare facilities showed respiratory infection cases increased 10.43% from epidemiological week 39 to week 40, while conjunctivitis cases rose 26.47%.
Asthma cases fell 13.64% over the same period.
As of 8am on Oct.
10, 32 monitoring stations in eight states and two federal territories recorded unhealthy air quality readings.
Haze levels vary by location, and polluted air can pose particular risks to children, older people, pregnant women and people with lung or heart conditions.
The ministry advises people in affected areas to limit outdoor activity, avoid strenuous exercise and wear a suitable mask if they must go outside.
It will continue monitoring illness and haze conditions and keep health services, supplies and staff prepared.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry reported increases in upper respiratory tract infections and conjunctivitis amid prolonged haze in parts of the country.
Data from 78 selected healthcare facilities showed URTI cases rose 10.43%, from 3,509 in epidemiological week 39 to 3,875 in week 40.
Conjunctivitis cases increased 26.47%, from 102 to 129 over the same period.
Asthma cases fell 13.64%, from 535 to 462.
As at 8am on Oct 10, 32 monitoring stations across eight states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy air quality readings.
- Who
- Malaysia’s Health Ministry reported the changes in illness cases.
- What
- URTI and conjunctivitis cases increased, while asthma cases decreased.
- When
- The comparisons were between epidemiological weeks 39 and 40; air quality readings were reported as at 8am on Oct 10.
- Where
- Nationwide, according to data from 78 selected healthcare facilities; unhealthy readings were recorded across eight states and two Federal Territories.
- Why
- The ministry reported the increases amid prolonged haze affecting parts of the country.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 78 selected healthcare facilities recorded 3,509 URTI cases and 102 conjunctivitis cases.
The facilities recorded 3,875 URTI cases and 129 conjunctivitis cases.
32 monitoring stations across eight states and two Federal Territories recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index readings of 101 to 200.
The Health Ministry issued a statement reporting the illness data and advising the public on precautions.
- URTI cases
- Rose 10.43%, from 3,509 in EW 39 to 3,875 in EW 40
- Conjunctivitis cases
- Rose 26.47%, from 102 to 129
- Asthma cases
- Fell 13.64%, from 535 to 462
- Health facilities
- 78 selected facilities provided the illness data
- Unhealthy air readings
- 32 stations across eight states and two Federal Territories
- Air Pollutant Index
- 101 to 200 at the affected stations as at 8am on Oct 10
What people are saying
The ministry will continue to monitor the haze situation and its effects on public health while ensuring that healthcare facilities, medical supplies and healthcare personnel remain prepared to provide the necessary services
Sources
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