The Ministry of Health advises residents of St. Kitts and Nevis to take precautions as a significant Saharan dust plume moves through the Federation.

Such increased levels of airborne particulates and dust can significantly affect individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as those with allergies.

 Symptoms due to exposure may include: itchy or burning eyes, runny nose and sneezing, chest tightness and wheezing while in severe cases, symptoms can escalate to difficulty breathing.

During this time, at-risk individuals should limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, practice respiratory hygiene, monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Hazy conditions are expected over the coming days. Based on projected models, conditions may improve by midweek but could worsen over the weekend. The significant presence of Saharan dust may cause reduced visibility with hazy, slightly yellowish skies. The air quality is likely to deteriorate over the coming days.