The Ministry of Public Health called on the population to take measures to avoid respiratory conditions due to the arrival of Saharan dust to the territory, starting this weekend.
Public Health reiterated the main measures that contribute to preventing respiratory tract conditions, especially in those people who suffer from asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and others.
The entity explains that it is a phenomenon that occurs regularly, before the cyclonic season and forms dust clouds, which causes a dry and humid atmosphere at the same time, which increases respiratory diseases, allergic processes and other conditions. of health.
“It is already customary that every year, mainly between May and August, a dense cloud of Saharan dust is felt. Therefore, people who already have respiratory conditions or illnesses should protect themselves more to avoid complications. Greater care is also urged with the elderly, infants, pregnant women and women in the postpartum stage (newly giving birth), immunosuppressed patients and other risk groups,” indicates Public Health in a press document. In addition, it indicates that the particles contained in the dust can cause momentary and temporary irritation to the eyes.
The Ministry of Health stated that the presence of Saharan dust coincides with the rains that have affected a large part of the national territory in recent days, which represents a risk factor for other outbreaks such as dengue, leptospirosis and acute diarrheal diseases. He called for drinking plenty of water, wearing light and clear clothing, cleaning surfaces with damp cloths and not exposing yourself to much sunlight between 10 and 11 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon.
