Johor recorded mixed trends in three diseases associated with haze between January and September, with asthma and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) cases declining while conjunctivitis cases increased in September, per Bernama.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said September asthma cases fell 36.7 per cent at hospitals and 18.6 per cent at health clinics compared with their respective monthly averages for the year.
URTI cases at health clinics also declined 7.8 per cent, while conjunctivitis cases recorded at sentinel health clinics increased 24.5 per cent against the average monthly cases this year.
The monitoring is conducted daily through eight sentinel health clinics and Hospital Pasir Gudang.
Hanifah said the Johor Health Department was continuing surveillance and health monitoring, strengthening healthcare facility preparedness and supplies, conducting risk communication and health promotion, as well as monitoring air quality and coordinating responses.
She advised high-risk groups including children, older people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to reduce outdoor activities during haze conditions.
“Use a face mask and ensure that the air conditioner is set to recirculation mode, and drink sufficient water to keep the body hydrated.
“Individuals experiencing symptoms such as coughing, flu, shortness of breath or eye irritation should seek examination and treatment at healthcare facilities,” she said.
She also advised the public to follow updates on air quality and health advisories.
