39 cases of heat-related illnesses, Kelantan records highest

SHAH ALAM - A total of 39 heat-related illnesses were recorded from April 17 to June 10, from the 16th Epidemology Week (ME 16/2023) to ME 23/2023.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said of the total, 23 were heat exhaustion, 11 were heat convulsions, and five were heat strokes.

"The overall cases related to hot weather by state are 10 in Kelantan, nine in Sabah, eight in Sarawak, four in Melaka.

"There are three cases in Terengganu, two in Kedah, and one in each of Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Perak.

"The breakdown by age had 25 cases with adults, nine teenagers, three children, and two senior citizens," she said in a statement on Friday.

She added that no new deaths due to heat stroke were recorded in ME 23/2023, making the total cumulative deaths due to the illness remain at one case reported on April 25.

"All cases receiving treatments were stable and have been discharged," she said.

She also added that the Southwest Monsoon is expected to continue until September this year, bringing drier weather, and advised the public to limit time spent in hot areas as well as reduce strenuous physical activity during hot weather.

"The public is urged to hydrate their bodies. Avoid open burning to prevent haze," she said.

She said individuals not feeling well are immediately advised to visit the nearest health facility for treatment.