Out-Patient Numbers Rising Due To Haze

MUAR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The number of people suffering from influenza due to the haze in Sarikei has risen by 62 percent, while clinics in Bintulu registered a 60 percent jump in the number of such patients in the past two weeks.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the ministry was monitoring the threat posed by the haze on the people's health, particularly in Sarawak, following the increasing number of out-patients in three of 13 clinics in the state.
"The number of asthma patients in Sibu is also rising and the haze acts as a catalyst in aggravating the situation," he said at a press conference after launching the Johor MCA Work Camp at the Gunung Ledang Resort, Air Panas, Sagil, here Saturday evening.
He said the ministry was also monitoring the haze situation which started in several states in the peninsula two days ago.
"We have 52 special clinics in the peninsula with treatment facilities, and their management have been told to report their patient admission status every day to the ministry," he said. He said although the haze situation in the peninsula was under control, the ministry would continue to monitor the effects of the haze on health.
Among those who faced the highest risk of contracting asthma due to the haze were children, senior citizens and heart disease patients.
That was why when the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings were more than 100, these groups of people were prohibited from participating in outdoor activities and told to consume lots of fluids.
"If the API reading is more than 200, those residing in the areas are advised to wear masks. If the reading is more than 300, the area will be declared as having unhealthy air quality and everybody must wear a mask," he said.