KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing haze has led to a rapid rise in asthma and conjunctivitis cases nationwide, says the Health Ministry.
Health director general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said asthma cases experienced a 15.8 per cent increase, from 1,187 to 1,375 cases between Sept 8 and 14, compared to the period between June 30 and Sept 7 this year.
Over the same period, conjunctivitis cases rose by 24.9 per cent, from 253 to 317 cases.
He said the Air Pollutant Index (API) from 68 stations monitored by Department of Environment, showed that 26 stations were at ‘moderate’, 36 at ‘unhealthy’, and six stations at ‘very unhealthy’ level.
An API reading of between 0 and 50 is categorised as good, 51 to100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and above 300 (hazardous).
Dr Noor Hisham said those who are highly at risk of contracting the disease such as children, the elderly, smokers and those with constant exposure to the outside environment are advised to take precautionary measures by limiting outdoor activities.
Others at risk include those with bronchitis, lung inflammation, heart diseases and allergies.
Dr Noor Hisham urged the public to stay indoors and to wear face masks if they have to go outside.
Those experiencing signs of illnesses like coughing, runny nose, asthma, sore eyes and lung inflammation, among others, are advised to go to the nearest health facilities for a check-up.
The public can also read up on the preventive measures to safeguard their health during the haze at http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/183.