REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PEKANBARU -- Department of Health, Riau Province, stated that the number of residents affected by Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) reached 25,524 people. It was a result of dangerous level of smoke from land and forest fires.

"The people were mostly affected by Acute Respiratory Infection or ISPA, which amounted to 20,901 people," said Chief of Medical Officer of Riau, Andra Sjafril, Monday (14/9).

The number of patients was an accumulation from 29th June to 12th September 2015. 454 people suffered from pneumonia, 893 people suffered from asthma, 1,356 people suffered from eye irritation and 1,920 people suffered from skin irritation.

Number of patients with respiratory infection spread in 12 cities and were mostly located in Pekanbaru, which reached 3,548 people. 2,831 people with ISPA were in Kuantan Singingi, 2,576 people in Siak, 2,503 people in Dumai, 2,227 people in Rokan Hulu, and 300 people in Merandi Islands.

"We ask the residents to avoid outdoor activities, and if forced, they should use a mask," said Andra.

Department of Health, Riau Province, will open health posts at four locations in Pekanbaru to anticipate that no more people were affected by the smoke pollution of land and forest fires.

The four posts were located in Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, Purna MTQ Complex, Central Market, and Rumbai. Most of the posts were on the edge of the road using a large tent.

"At a health post, there are one doctor and two nurses," he added.

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