PUCHONG, July 7 - Seventy-three heat-related illness cases have been recorded nationwide from January 1 to today, according to Health Ministry (MOH) Disease Control Division public health medicine specialist Dr Hazlina Yahaya.
She said 59 cases involved heat exhaustion, six were exertional heat stroke, four were classic heat stroke, while the remaining four were two cases of postpartum hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever) and two cases of heat cramps.
“The cumulative death toll remains at four cases involving two adult males aged 42 in Penang and 22 in Kedah, as well as two children, aged two in Negeri Sembilan and four in Perak,” she said while presenting the MOH’s hot weather and heatwave measures at an engagement session with the media here today.
She added that public healthcare facilities are fully equipped in terms of manpower, treatment facilities, and medicine supplies to ensure prompt and effective treatment.
The ministry has also ramped up health education activities, advocacy programmes and public information campaigns, particularly for high-risk groups, including the Orang Asli community, she said.
“The ministry is also carrying out advocacy efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding sites and encourage early treatment for those experiencing (dengue) symptoms,” Dr Hazlina explained.
She said the ministry will continue monitoring the situation, boost communication with the public on health risks, and better prepare the national healthcare system.
Surveillance of heat-related illnesses is being conducted to identify and protect high-risk groups, Dr Hazlina added.
