Indonesia has recorded in excess of 170,000 respiratory cases since the onset of severe haze across parts of the country, health authorities said. The illnesses range in severity from minor coughs to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.
Children have been hit particularly hard: more than 40,000 of the reported cases involve toddlers. Medical workers and local clinics have been treating large numbers of young patients presenting with breathing difficulties and other respiratory symptoms.
The rise in cases has coincided with extensive haze that has reduced air quality in multiple areas. Health officials have linked the increase in respiratory problems to the poor air conditions, noting that exposure to particulate matter can exacerbate pre-existing conditions and increase susceptibility to infection.
Local health services have been responding to the surge in demand, triaging patients and providing care ranging from outpatient treatment for mild symptoms to hospital care for those with pneumonia. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly, to limit outdoor activity while air quality remains poor.