Malaysia sees spike in asthma, URTI cases amid worsening haze, says official

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A sharp increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases has been recorded amid haze conditions affecting several areas in the country, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on Sunday.

Ongoing monitoring has shown that asthma cases increased by 259 percent, while URTI cases rose by 124 percent during epidemiological weeks (EW) 32 and 33 (from Aug. 9 to Aug. 22), Dzulkefly told a press briefing.

"URTI recorded the highest number at 3,674 cases, an increase from 1,637, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 cases," he said.

Dzulkefly said seven areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8 a.m. today, with five in the northern Borneo state of Sarawak, namely Serian (197), Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176) and Sarikei (128). The other areas were Sungai Petani in Kedah state and Taiping in Perak state, both recording an API reading of 126.

According to the country's air quality rating, an API reading of zero to 50 is "good," 51 to 100 is "moderate," 101 to 200 is "unhealthy," 201 to 300 is "very unhealthy," and 301 and above is "hazardous."

On heat-related illnesses, Dzulkefly said 90 cases had been recorded from EW 30 to 32 (July 26 to Aug. 15), comprising 71 cases of heat exhaustion, 14 of heatstroke and five of heat cramps.

Dzulkefly also advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Enditem