Sunyani, February 27, 2024
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has caution the general public to go back to face-masks wearing to reduce exposure to the dust.
According to the GHS, these adverse weather conditions predispose individuals to several ill health conditions including respiratory illness and meningitis.
A release signed by Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of Ghana Health Services available to thefourlens.com news has said.
The release said the increased dryness of the air may predispose persons and individuals to dehydration, especially among children and the elderly.
The GHS explained February has been characterized by very harsh weather conditions of dryness and dust with a high Air Quality Index as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In the release, the Ghana Meteorological Agency is also reporting of very hot conditions for the coming months of March and April.
The GHS is therefore recommended the wearing of face-masks to reduce exposure to the dust and also minimize the effect of the harsh weather conditions.
The GHS also recommended limited outdoor activities especially for children and the elderly.
It also emphasized the need to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water throughout the day, adding that people living with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma should continue to take their prescribed medications.
The GHS appreciates that, persons with Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions may suffer acute attack or may experience worsening of their conditions.
In the northern part of the country in particular, the dry and hot weather conditions can lead to increased risk of meningitis as evident with the reported cases of meningitis though there are no outbreaks in the country.
The GHS urged the public to observe these recommendations during this period of harsh weather conditions and report to the nearest health facility when they have difficulty in breathing.
The GHS assures the public that it is working diligently to promptly identify and respond to any potential outbreaks during this period of harsh weather conditions and beyond.
Thefourlens.com
Writer’s email: ttchrietoph1@gmail.com
