Haze linked to 124% surge in respiratory infections

Malaysia has experienced a dramatic 124% spike in acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and asthma cases during the most recent epidemiological week. This sharp rise in illnesses coincides with the prevailing haze season, which has cast a pall over various parts of the country.

The Ministry of Health reported that URTI cases escalated by 124.4%, jumping from 1,637 in the 32nd epidemiological week to 3,674 in the subsequent week. Asthma cases saw an even more significant increase of 259%, rising from 61 to 219. In contrast, conjunctivitis cases saw a slight decrease, falling from 157 to 146.

While the ministry noted a significant reduction in air quality stations reporting unhealthy status, dropping from 31 to 17, the haze situation persists in some areas, notably Sarawak. The ministry emphasized its continued vigilance, actively monitoring diseases associated with haze to assess its impact on the health of affected populations. The situation remains dynamic, with haze conditions in other areas being temporary and subject to change based on current weather patterns.