As a thick layer of Saharan dust began covering Trinidad and Tobago over the last two days, many have opined on social media channels that this is among the worst cases they have ever seen here.
From Saturday, the dust blanketed the country, dimmed sunlight and reduced visibility, while at the same time presented serious health risks to all.
It did not come as too much of a surprise, however, as the Meteorological Office had warned on Friday that a massive plume was approaching, signalling that it will last until Friday.
This poses a significant threat to people with respiratory ailments.
Facebook messages spoke of people already experiencing burning eyes and noses, scratchy throats and difficulty breathing. Some said they were even forced to seek medical attention.
The Ministry of Health also issued a warning saying that sensitive groups, such as persons with asthma and respiratory illnesses, must take the necessary precautions. It noted that dangerously high levels of Saharan dust may exacerbate illness in people at high risk of respiratory complications, including those with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma, people with pre-existing heart disease, the elderly and children. It advised that affected individuals remain in-doors where possible and seek medical attention where necessary.
We urge all to take this warning very seriously.
The common effects from the dust include a dry cough, sore throat, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose but medical experts have said the dust can serve as a conduit for other things that are triggers for patients with allergies and asthma, such as viruses, bacteria and mould spores and pollens.
In rare cases, those undiagnosed with illnesses like asthma may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing at night.
Strenuous outdoor activity can only make things worse and is not advisable at this time.
This wave of Saharan dust comes at a time when the region, like the rest of the world, is dealing with a respiratory disease that has already claimed the lives of over 460,000 people. COVID-19 has seriously impacted those with existing respiratory health problems and the prevalence of such dangerous levels of dust can only compound the effects of the disease.
Thankfully, the measures implemented thus far by the Government, including the strict quarantine rules and the wearing of masks, have helped reduce the spread.
But there’s no room for complacency.
If anything, this week should remind us that keeping our masks on can have significant benefits to our health.
Though short-term, the concentration of the Saharan dust is way too high to risk further complications. We thus urge all affected people to seek medical attention, particularly if they experience severe shortness of breath, persistent fever for more than two days or a severe worsening of a pre-existing condition.
Throughout this week, let’s take all health instructions seriously and once in public, wearing masks remain crucial.