The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has mentioned that the current weather patterns in the country pose health risks, particularly respiratory illnesses and meningitis, to individuals.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasts very hot conditions for the upcoming months of March and April.
The month of February has witnessed extremely harsh weather conditions, with dryness and dust contributing to a high Air Quality Index, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The GHS has, in a statement, issued guidelines to help individuals cope with the prevailing harsh weather conditions in the country, characterised by dryness, dust, and high temperatures.
According to the Ghana Health Service, “persons with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions may suffer acute attacks or may experience worsening of their conditions” due to the weather patterns projected by the Ghana Meteorological Agency.
The service also noted that the increased dryness of the air may predispose people and individuals to dehydration, especially among children and the elderly.
In the northern part of the country, in particular, the dry and hot weather conditions can lead to an increased risk of meningitis, as evident by the reported cases of meningitis, though there are no outbreaks in the country.
The GHS is therefore recommending the following to minimize the effect of the harsh weather conditions:
1. Limit outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly.
2. Wear face masks to reduce exposure to dust.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water throughout the day.
4. People living with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma should continue to take their prescribed medications