The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Service issued a 72 hour weather outlook indicating that “haze intrusion is forecast to thicken across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from Wednesday morning, February 19th, with improvement likely around Friday, 21st February, 2020 .” This haze intrusion is due to the progression of a thick concentration of Saharan dust haze located in the central Atlantic.

The Ministry wishes to advise the general public that particles contained within the Saharan dust haze could cause the following health effects:

• a dry cough
• sore throat
• itchy, watery eyes
• sneezing
• runny nose

The Ministry further advises that the health impact of the Saharan dust haze will differ due to the sensitivity of individuals and the amount of exposure.  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 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.

Symptoms should disappear as the Saharan dust levels subside.  Affected persons should seek medical attention at their nearest health care center if they experience severe symptoms as a result of increasing levels of Saharan dust.

SOURCE: Ministry of Health, Wellness And The Environment