Arya News - Heat exhaustion accounts for the majority of said illnesses, followed by heatstroke cases and heat cramps.
KUALA SELANGOR – A total of 90 cases of heat-related illness have been recorded nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 33 (ME33), with heat exhaustion accounting for the majority.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said 71 cases involved heat exhaustion, 14 were heatstroke cases, and five were heat cramps.
He said nine cases were recorded in ME33 (Aug 16 to 22), compared with two cases in ME30 and three each in ME31 and ME32.
“Of the nine cases reported in the latest week, eight involved heat exhaustion linked to the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor.
“Only one individual required further treatment in a ward,” he told reporters after launching the Kuala Selangor Wellness Hub here on Sunday (Aug 23).
Dzulkefly urged the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to hot weather, drink enough water and follow health advisories issued by the Health Ministry.
He said those experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should seek medical attention promptly.
Separately, Dzulkefly said seven areas recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings as at 8am on Sunday.
Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest API reading at 197, followed by Kuching (185), Sri Aman (178), Samarahan (176) and Sarikei (128).
Sungai Petani in Kedah and Taiping in Perak both recorded API readings of 126.
Dzulkefly said the ministry was monitoring haze-related illnesses, including upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and conjunctivitis, through its sentinel surveillance system.
He advised the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, drink enough water and observe health advisories issued by the ministry.
“Those who need to be outdoors should take the necessary precautions. If they experience symptoms, seek treatment immediately,” he said.