SIBU: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases increased sharply in Sarawak in mid-August amid the prevailing haze, with the Southern Zone recording about 1,250 cases.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the Central Zone recorded more than 1,000 cases, while the Northern Zone recorded a peak of nearly 400 cases during the same period.
“URTI cases increased sharply in mid-August, with the Southern Zone recording about 1,250 cases, the Central Zone exceeding 1,000 cases and the Northern Zone recording a peak of nearly 400 cases,” she said.
Speaking at a press conference at Jalan Oya Health Clinic today, Hanifah said the number of asthma patients presenting at the Sarawak General Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department also increased on several days in August.
However, she said overall monitoring had not shown a significant sustained increase in asthma cases.
“In this regard, the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS) will continue to monitor and increase preparedness to reduce the impact of haze on the public,” she said.
Hanifah said several measures were being implemented, including increased surveillance of haze-related diseases to identify changes in disease trends and enable prompt public health action.
Medical services at health facilities were also being strengthened to ensure patients received appropriate examinations and treatment, while adequate supplies of medicines and medical equipment and sufficient healthcare personnel would be maintained at hospitals and clinics.
She said health education and risk communication efforts would also be intensified, particularly for high-risk groups, to raise awareness of preventive measures and ways to reduce the health risks associated with haze.
Hanifah advised the public to avoid outdoor physical activities to minimise exposure to haze.
She said physical activity increased breathing rates, allowing more dust and fine smoke particles to enter the respiratory tract and potentially increasing the risk of haze-related illnesses such as URTI, asthma and conjunctivitis.
“Always stay indoors and, if you have to be outdoors, limit the time spent outside and use a suitable face mask,” she said.
The public was also advised to keep windows and doors closed to prevent haze from entering homes.
Where possible, Hanifah said indoor air quality could be improved by using high-efficiency air-conditioning systems and air filters or purifiers to reduce exposure to fine particles.
Motorists were advised to use the internal air circulation mode when driving.
Hanifah also urged the public to drink plenty of plain water, even when not thirsty, with at least eight glasses a day recommended to maintain adequate hydration.
Those experiencing symptoms such as cough, cold, sore throat, shortness of breath or eye pain should seek treatment at the nearest health facility.
She said information on preventive measures to reduce the health effects of haze was available through the Health Ministry’s InfoSihat portal.
The public was also urged not to engage in open burning and to report cases involving irresponsible individuals to the authorities.
“JKNS will continue to monitor haze-related diseases from time to time,” she said.
