Department of Health Issues Sahara Dust Alert

Acting Health Commissioner Phyllis L. Wallace said today that an increase in Sahara dust in the Virgin Islands can pose a health risk to persons with allergy and respiratory problems and is urging residents to seek medical care if necessary.

Residents should stay indoors and keep windows closed as much as possible, she said.

Dr. Audria Thomas, DOH Medical Director and District Health Office for the St. Thomas District, said residents should have necessary medication available at all times and should seek medical care if symptoms become a concern.

"The dust mainly affects those patients with allergies and respiratory problems and individuals can have symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, respiratory problems, eye itching and other allergy symptoms," Dr. Thomas said.

The dust can aggravate patients with emphysema, asthma and other lung disorders, she said.

Sahara dust is increased during the hurricane season from June to November and residents should monitor the weather forecast for such increases in the Virgin Islands.