(Kuala Lumpur, 24th) Due to haze affecting many parts of the country, Malaysia has seen a surge in asthma and upper respiratory tract infection cases over the past two weeks.
According to The Star, Malaysian Health Minister Zulkifli said on Sunday (August 23) that in the 32nd and 33rd epidemiological weeks (August 9 to 22), asthma cases surged by 259% while upper respiratory tract infection cases rose by 124%.
During these two weeks, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 3,674 cases of upper respiratory tract infection and 219 cases of asthma.
Zulkifli also said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday, there were seven regions nationwide with unhealthy air quality, of which Sarawak accounted for five, while Kedah and Perak each had one.
During these two weeks, the Ministry of Health recorded a total of 3,674 cases of upper respiratory tract infection and 219 cases of asthma.
Zulkifli also said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday, there were seven regions nationwide with unhealthy air quality, of which Sarawak accounted for five, while Kedah and Perak each had one.