Haze: Asthma, Urti And Conjunctivitis Show Fluctuating Trends From January To September

KOTA TINGGI, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Monitoring of the three main haze-related illnesses in Johor namely upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), asthma, and conjunctivitis from January to September showed fluctuating trends.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said monitoring was conducted daily through eight sentinel clinics: Larkin Health Clinic (KK), Pasir Gudang KK, Bandar Putra KK, and Parit Sulong KK.

The other clinics involved were Paya Mas KK, Penawar KK, Pengerang KK, and Mengkibol KK, while Pasir Gudang Hospital served as the sentinel hospital for the same monitoring.

"However, a comparison of cases in September showed a downward trend relative to the monthly average which is a 36.7 per cent decrease in hospital asthma cases and an 18.6 per cent decrease in cases recorded at health clinics (KK).

"Meanwhile, a 7.8 per cent decrease was recorded for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) cases at health clinics, whereas monitoring of conjunctivitis cases at sentinel health clinics showed an upward trend of 24.5 per cent compared to this year's monthly average," she said.

She told Bernama after officiating the state-level World Mental Health Day celebration and the Kota Tinggi district-level 'Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera' (Healthy and Prosperous Malaysia) Month at KEJORA Hall in Bandar Penawar here today.

Hanifah Hajar said the Johor State Health Department (JKNJ) has been implementing various initiatives, including health surveillance and monitoring, ensuring the preparedness of health facilities regarding supplies and equipment, risk communication and health promotion, as well as air quality monitoring, risk assessment, and response coordination.

She also advised the public particularly high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses to reduce outdoor activities.

"Wear face masks, ensure air conditioners are set to the air recirculation mode, and drink sufficient water to stay hydrated.

"Individuals experiencing symptoms such as coughing, a cold, shortness of breath, or eye irritation should seek examination and treatment at health facilities," she said, adding that the public should keep up to date with the latest air quality information and health advisories.

Speaking at the event, Hanifah Hajar remarked that mental healthcare should not be a matter of concern only after a person is already facing a problem or crisis.

Instead, it needs to be continuously fostered through a healthy work culture, social support, effective communication, and a safe, caring environment.

She said care and empathy are among the essential human qualities that should be cultivated, in line with the theme ‘Life Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’.

"We must eliminate the stigma that seeking mental health assistance is a sign of weakness; on the contrary, seeking help is an act of courage.

"We also need to ensure that individuals requiring assistance have access to appropriate, timely, and continuous services," she said.

-- BERNAMA