Haze Triggers 259% Increase in Asthma Cases in Malaysia
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The recent transboundary haze that’s been enveloping several parts of the country has caused a dramatic increase in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases.
According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, asthma cases rose by 259% between epidemiological weeks (EW) 32 and 33, jumping from 61 to 219. URTI cases also rose by 124%.
“URTI recorded the highest number at 3,674 cases, up from 1,637, while asthma cases reached 219 compared with 61 previously. Conjunctivitis cases dropped to 146 from 157,” he said.
High-risk groups urged to exercise greater caution
It goes without saying that people in high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, as well as people with existing asthma and other…
