Sahara dust cloud affects those with respiratory problems

For some days, the inhabitants of many cities in Caribbean countries have seen how the sky hides behind a mist. The reason is that a dust cloud from the Sahara has traveled to America, in the area of ​​the Caribbean Sea. Many have been the countries affected by this dust and the concern grows among the inhabitants of the area.

Countries Affected by Sahara Dust

In mid-June, a NASA satellite detected a large cloud of dust over the Atlantic Ocean. From this very day, the inhabitants of these territories began to see this dust with their own eyes.

In Venezuela, several states have been affected: Nueva Esparta, Vargas and Caracas, the capital of the South American country. Likewise, in Trinidad and Tobago the meteorological service announced the arrival of this phenomenon in the island territory.

This caused the Ministry of Health of this country to express an alarm, asking people with respiratory problems to take appropriate measures. Likewise, they manifested some of the symptoms that this powder could cause in people: cough, sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

Also, the Ministry of Health of Puerto Rico expressed its concern, exhorting people with respiratory difficulties about the possible effects of this phenomenon. The call is to be alert to health problems.

In Barbados, the meteorological service activated the corresponding alarms to notify the alert due to low visibility in navigation. At the same time, competent authorities have urged people with respiratory problems such as asthma to take shelter and keep their medications close at hand.

Other countries like Honduras, Panama and Guatemala have been seriously affected. Concerns range from visibility in land, air and sea traffic to respiratory complications that this can cause; especially in times of pandemic.

What does the Sahara Dust Cloud contain?

The Sahara dust cloud turns out to be quite a bit more dangerous than you might think. This cloud has carried a large number of agents with it to America, including: viruses, bacteria, fungi, spores, mites, pesticides and other highly harmful chemical components. Taking this into account, it is easy to deduce that you are in the presence of a fairly serious problem that can affect thousands of people.

What to do?

The experts' call is to be vigilant in this situation and take the appropriate precautionary measures, especially if you suffer from any respiratory condition. Some of the recommendations are:

– Wear protective glasses

– Make use of masks

– Handwashing

– Do not touch your eyes with your hands

– Dress in fairly covered clothing

– Have medications on hand (people with asthma)

– Keep food and water well protected

Also, it is very important to be careful and pay special attention when driving is necessary. And, above all, do not underestimate the effects of this phenomenon.