A TOTAL of 45 heat-related illness cases were reported nationwide until yesterday, of which 33 cases were of heat exhaustion, 11 cases of heatstroke and one case of heat cramp.
Of this, eight cases were reported each in Perak and Kedah and six in Selangor. The others were five cases each in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang, four cases in Sabah, two cases in Perlis, and one each in Penang and Kelantan.
“Two deaths due to heatstroke have been reported, with the first involving a 22-year-old man, and the second a three-year-old boy in Kelantan,” Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said in a statement.
Four cases are still receiving treatment in hospitals, including one heatstroke case treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three cases treated in regular wards consisting of two heatstroke cases and one case of heat exhaustion.
The other cases have since been discharged, he said, adding that the ICU patient is a 24-year-old man who was admitted to the Port Dickson Hospital on March 10 and transferred to the Seremban Hospital on April 5.
The Health Ministry (MOH) advises the public to continue to be cautious by ensuring adequate hydration and reducing strenuous physical activity.
The people are also urged to stop all outdoor activities as well temporarily.
Dr Muhammad Radzi also urged the public to avoid exposure to the hot weather and rest more frequently during this spell.
"You can go out for visits during cooler periods or at night, especially when visiting relatives and friends during the festive celebrations.
"MOH is monitoring heat-related illnesses following a warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) yesterday," he added.
Areas under Alert Level 1 with a daily maximum temperature of 35-37 C for at least three consecutive days being monitored include Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pendang, Yan, Kuala Muda, Kulim, Bandar Baharu, Baling, Padang Terap, Sik and Northeast district in Penang.
Other areas include Perak involving Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Kinta; Gua Musang in Kelantan, Raub in Pahang, Limbang in Sarawak and Sabah involving Tenom, Beaufort and Tuaran.
Pokok Sena in Kedah was recorded at Alert Level 2, which indicates a maximum temperature exceeding 37 to 40 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.
METMalaysia also expects dry and hot weather with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius to persist in most places in the Peninsula and Sabah until mid-April. – The Vibes, April 14, 2024.
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