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MOH Advises Citizens and Residents to Avoid Exposure to the Dust Storm Currently Hitting the Kingdom

01 April 2015

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised citizens and residents, especially those suffering from asthma or chest diseases, to avoid exposure to dust storm currently hitting the Kingdom, and not to leave homes unless necessary. The MOH also advised them to put on medical and preventive masks when leaving homes during the dust storm, noting that dust particles irritate the respiratory tract causing allergic rhinitis.

The MOH's Media Information and Health Awareness Center, in a statement issued today on the dust storm currently hitting some parts of the Kingdom, revealed that "there are health tips and guidelines that will help, Allah willing, provide protection and safety for members of the community during the winds and dust storms. Such tips include avoiding direct exposure to the dust and other particles during sand storms, and not to go out unless necessary. That is to be added to following up weather newscasts on television, radio or the website of the General Presidency of Metrology and Environment Protection".

It also underlined the importance of sealing doors and windows to prevent entrance of dust into buildings and houses, let alone paying more attention to personal hygiene during this period of year. Equally important is to clean houses and buildings thoroughly from the dust, particularly bedrooms, bed linen and other furnishings.

The center advised citizens and residents to put on medical masks or use a wet towel or gauze during sand storms, if they are outside home or when necessary, meanwhile placing particular emphasis on the necessity of changing the masks every now and then. As for asthma and respiratory tract patients, they were advised not to leave their houses under such weather conditions, unless necessary, and to follow their doctor's directives precisely, as well as taking medicine against asthma as per the doctor's prescriptions. With regard to those who have undergone surgeries on the eye or nose, they were advised to be more vigilant and avoid going out under such weather.

The MOH called upon citizens to head to the nearest health center or emergency section should any contingency take place. Besides, it advised vehicle drivers to close windows while driving under such dusty weather and adjust the air conditioner at a suitable temperature, if necessary.

The Ministry confirmed that all MOH health facilities are ready to receive emergency cases, announcing that its 24/7 hospitals in the dust-effected regions have taken all precautionary measures to receive emergency respiratory cases, whether elderly or youngsters, even though the number of respiratory patients visiting such facilities is expected to increase, especially asthmatics.