Ghana Medical Association urges Ghanaians to wear nose masks and limit outdoor activities amidst severe harmattan

 

To lessen exposure to dust, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has advised the public to wear face masks.

Additionally, it has urged people to restrict their outside activities, particularly for kids.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Meteorological Services have reported that extremely dusty weather conditions have been seen nationwide as a result of the harmattan's increased intensity.

The GMA said in a statement released on Friday that the increased dust and generally dry weather have had a negative impact on people's health and may have contributed to an increase in respiratory ailments. Individuals who have asthma and other long-term respiratory disorders may experience flare-ups or a deterioration in their symptoms.

As a result, it also encouraged everyone to stay hydrated by consuming lots of water throughout the day and reminded those who suffer from asthma to always carry their inhalers and take all recommended medication.

The statement said,“Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms of respiratory conditions, e.g., cough, painful swallowing, runny nose, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing should report to the nearest health facility immediately,”