Persons with respiratory conditions are being advised by the Ministry of Health to take the necessary precautions during the course of the day today, to avoid being affected by Sahara Dust in the atmosphere.
The Ministry said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Service has issued a 72 hour weather outlook indicating that “haze intrusion is forecast to thicken across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from this today, with an improvement likely around Friday.
The haze intrusion is due to the progression of a thick concentration of Saharan dust haze located in the Central Atlantic.
The Ministry of Health said particles contained within the Saharan dust haze could cause a dry cough; sore throat; itchy, watery eyes; sneezing and runny nose.
It says high concentrations of the Saharan dust may worsen illness in persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma and persons with pre-existing heart disease. The elderly and children are also vulnerable at this time. Persons in these vulnerable groups are being urged to limit their exposure to the Saharan dust by staying indoors when possible.
Vulnerable groups should also have the necessary medication, including asthma inhalers with them at all times.
