The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued guidelines to help people cope with the harsh weather conditions prevailing in the country, which are characterized by dryness, dust, and high temperatures.
February has experienced extremely harsh weather conditions, with dryness and dust leading to a high Air Quality Index, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Ghana Meteorological Agency predicts very hot conditions for the upcoming months of March and April. These adverse weather patterns pose health risks, particularly respiratory illnesses and meningitis.
To address these challenges, the GHS has outlined recommendations to minimize the impact of harsh weather conditions on public health.
These include limiting outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly, wearing face masks to reduce dust exposure, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and ensuring that individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma continue to take their prescribed medications.
The northern region of the country faces an increased risk of meningitis due to the dry and hot weather conditions. While there have been reported cases of meningitis, there are currently no outbreaks in the country.
Nevertheless, the GHS advises individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever and neck stiffness to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
“We urge 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,” stated the GHS in its statement.
The GHS reassured the public that it is working diligently to promptly identify and respond to any potential outbreaks during this period and beyond.
