In-depth study also reveals patients from black African and Caribbean backgrounds are less likely to receive timely care

People from black backgrounds in England are twice as likely to experience strokes as their white counterparts, while also being less likely to receive timely care, according to the largest study of its kind.

The study, conducted by researchers at King’s College London and presented at the European Stroke Organisation conference, analysed 30 years of stroke incidents from the South London Stroke Register, one of the longest-running population-based stroke registers in the world.

GEORGE TOWN, May 4 — The organisers of a hill run in which a participant died of heatstroke, the first such fatality in Penang linked to the current hot spell, have been found to have complied with all established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Penang Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the organisers had provided all essential requirements, including sufficient water stations and medical teams along the route, and had acted promptly when the victim was found to be unwell.

“The victim, a 42-year-old man from Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, successfully completed the 30-kilometre category before collapsing, and the medical team immediately rushed him to the hospital for treatment, but he later passed away.

“The cause of death was confirmed as heatstroke. It is possible the man had underlying health conditions, especially as the event featured categories of up to 50 kilometres,” he told a press conference at his office in Komtar today.

The Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) reported yesterday that the victim died on April 26 following his participation in the run.

Gooi said the SOP compliance is a prerequisite for the approval of any sporting event in the state, particularly regarding the provision of medical teams for emergencies.

“To date, paramedic coverage for sporting events in Penang has been adequate. We advise the public participating in sports to remain aware of their health levels, stay hydrated, and avoid pushing themselves beyond their physical limits,” he said.

In another development, Gooi said Penang remains free from monkey malaria (Plasmodium knowlesi) infections despite a spike in cases in Sabah.

“In Penang, we have yet to record any monkey malaria cases, but the situation is being closely monitored by JKNPP,” he added.

He also said that mosquito-borne diseases, specifically dengue fever, have shown a significant downward trend in the state, with a 39 per cent decrease recorded so far compared to the same period last year.

Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that Sabah had recorded 357 cases of monkey malaria in the first four months of this year, resulting in one death. — Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 3 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded 56 cases related to hot weather nationwide, including two deaths from heat stroke, from Jan 1 to today.

MOH in a statement today announced that the two deaths involved a two-year-old boy who was left in a vehicle and a 42-year-old man who participated in a marathon in Penang.

“Both cases occurred when weather conditions were below Warning Level 1.

“However, the main risk factors identified were exposure to extreme heat in an indoor environment and strenuous physical activity over a long period of time, which caused severe dehydration and failure to regulate body temperature,” the statement said.

According to the statement, there were 47 cases involved heat exhaustion, four cases of exertional  heat stroke, four cases of heat stroke and one case of heat cramps.

MOH said analysis showed that 58 per cent of cases of heat-related illnesses were related to physical activity during hot weather.

“Of the total, almost half involved sports and athletic activities such as cross-country, sports training, and marathons, while the rest involved high-intensity physical training by security and operations teams.

“In this regard, MOH would like to advise the public to always be careful and take preventive measures during hot weather,” the statement said.

Among the preventive measures suggested by MOH are to limit strenuous physical activity and prolonged exposure to hot weather, and for those working under hot weather to spend more time resting in the shade to cool down.

In addition, the public is also reminded to drink plenty of plain water even if they do not feel thirsty to ensure that the body remains hydrated, as well as to use personal protection such as hats, umbrellas, light and brightly coloured clothing.

Risk groups such as infants, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases should always be adequately hydrated, and parents and guardians are reminded to avoid leaving children alone in vehicles.

The public is reminded to seek immediate treatment at a health facility if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or extreme fatigue.

“MOH also urges all parties including government agencies, educational institutions and care centres to take appropriate preventive measures, especially in planning and implementing outdoor activities to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“The public can get the latest information on the status of hot weather on the METMalaysia website and preventive measures to reduce the health effects of hot weather on the MOH website,” the statement said. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN, May 3 — The Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) has announced that a local man has died from heat stroke, which was reported on April 26, after the victim participated in a 30-kilometre running event in the city.

JKNPP said the case involving a 42-year-old man was the first case of heat-related illness recorded in Penang in 2026.

“The man participated in a 30-kilometre running event in George Town which started at 6.30 am on April 25 and the running route also involved hilly tracks through forest areas around the city and at about 4 pm, the victim was reported to have fainted near the finish line.

“The victim was given emergency treatment at the location before being sent to the Penang Hospital (HPP) Emergency and Trauma Department in critical condition before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” it said in a statement last night.

According to the statement, however, the victim was confirmed dead at 2.08 am on April 26 and the cause of death was heat stroke with complications of rhabdomyolysis and multi-organ failure.

The department advises the public, especially individuals who carry out outdoor activities or extreme sports, to always be aware of their health levels and current weather conditions.

The public can get the latest information on the status of hot weather on the MetMalaysia website (https://www.met.gov.my/iklim/status-cuaca-panas/) and preventive measures to reduce the health effects of hot weather on the Ministry of Health Malaysia website (https://infosihat.moh.gov.my/cuaca-panas.html). — Bernama