The number of cases of measles-related diseases decreases, asthma records highest decrease - KKM

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 22: Cases of measles-related diseases show a downward trend in Epidemiology Week (ME) 37/2026 with asthma cases registering the highest decrease of 35.36 percent compared to the previous week, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

KKM in a statement today reported that based on daily monitoring through 78 centreline health facilities across the country, asthma cases decreased by 395 to 722 cases compared with 1,117 cases in ME 36/2026.

Conjunctivitis decreased by 32.04 percent or 107 cases from 334 to 227 for the same period while upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) decreased 1,426 cases or 20.18 percent from 7,065 to 5,639.

"Despite the decrease in cases of measles-related diseases being monitored, KKM will continue to conduct rigorous monitoring of measles situation and its health effects, especially in areas that record air quality at unhealthy levels", according to the statement.

As of 7am this morning, a total of 16 stations have recorded Air Pollution Index (IPU) at unhealthy levels including 10 in Sarawak, Selangor (two) as well as one each in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah while 50 stations are at medium level and two are at good level.

In addition, KKM informed that among the measures implemented by the ministry are monitoring URTI cases, asthma and conjunctivitis daily through 78 stunning sentinel health facilities as well as evaluating IPU readings together with health survey data to determine public health action.

In addition, the National Emergency Movement Room activated on 4 September continues to coordinate monitoring and response as well as ensuring availability of health facilities including availability of medicines, oxygen supply and related medical equipment.

The Ministry of Health advises people, especially in areas with unhealthy air quality to reduce outdoor activities and postpone poor physical activity.

The ministry also warned at-risk groups such as children, gold citizens and individuals with chronic respiratory diseases and heart disease to take precautions. -TVS