Total respiratory tract of patients increased 21%

Total respiratory tract of patients increased 21%

JOHOR BARU: June 20 - The number of outpatients who suffered from 'Upper Respiratory Tract' (URTI) or irritation of the respiratory tract in the state increased by 21 percent over the past week.

State Health Director, Dr. Mohd Khairi Yakub said the situation was due to a number of areas in Johor, which recorded the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.



According to him, the haze will continue to be an adverse impact on all people, especially those at high risk of kank children, the elderly besides sufferers asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia chronic.

"People in this country will have a variety of effects such as irritation of the nose, throat and skin if directly exposed to the haze.

"This in turn results in coughing, shortness of breath, nose and watery eyes feel painful and itchy skin apart. The trend of this disease is expected to increase if the haze remained at an unhealthy level, "he said in a statement here today.

Mohd Khairi advise people to seek treatment and advice of a doctor at a clinic near the event of symptoms.

He also advised the public to take preventive measures such as limiting outdoor activities, always wear masks especially for motorcyclists and those working in high-risk areas.

"People are also advised to wash your face and other exposed skin with water, drink plenty of water and use the air conditioning while driving by using the cycle mode.

"The smokers are advised to quit, otherwise it will be harmful to health and should be at the level API than 300 past 24 hours, then schools, kindergartens and childcare centers should be closed," he said.

State Education Department ordered that 211 schools in Muar and Ledang closed when the API readings in the area reached a dangerous level of over 300.


Utusan Malaysia