A wave of dry fog again affected the Cape Verde archipelago at the end of February. It is a dense fog that arises from dust-laden winds coming from North Africa. It affects sea and air traffic, but not only that. This is also a public health issue. Dr. Maria do Seu Teixeira, an allergist in Cape Verde, helps us understand the effects of dry fog on the respiratory system.
The phenomenon of dry fog is common in Cape Verde between January and March, and this dust-laden fog also contains pollutants that can cause rhinitis, bronchitis or even exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.
People most at risk are children up to 5 years of age and the elderly, as well as chronic patients.
I recommend using a mask, which is very useful in this type of situation, stopping physical activity and for people with chronic diseases who take their usual medications.
In the case of fever or severe cough, do not hesitate to seek medical care, insists Dr. Maria de Ceu Teixeira.
Speaking to Lusa, regarding the dry fog, Cape Verde meteorologist José Pimienta Lima highlighted a “relatively increased intensity in particle concentration” in the recent dry fog.
Moreover, over the past three months Cape Verde appears to have recorded a “climatic abnormal season,” with very high temperatures, less intense winds, and calmer than usual seas, thus showing concern about signs of climate change.
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