“The dust particles in the air, when those are inhaled, those aren’t going to cause fever or body aches,” said Presley.

(WAFB) - The Saharan dust cloud has made for some interesting skyline shots of the Capital City, but it may also pose a risk to your health. You are urged to stay at home as much as you can or cover your face if you head outside. John Oliva covers issues that matter to you. That is a question many allergy sufferers could be asking this week as a massive plume of Saharan dust is set to hit the Gulf Coast. The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District predicts the Saharan Dust plume will makes it way into the Coastal Bend the week of June 22. BATON ROUGE, La. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Consider supporting local journalism with a digital subscription to the Caller-Times. Any residents with existing respiratory illnesses are advised to take extra precautions during the time the Saharan dust is present. The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District officials predict a Saharan Dust cloud will make its way into the Texas Coastal Bend the week of June 22.

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CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — According to Corpus Christi Nueces County Public Health District, the yearly passing of the Saharan dust could mimic COVID-10 symptoms. Please consider subscribing today to support important journalism like this. The Saharan dust cloud has made for some interesting skyline shots of the Capital City, but it may also pose a risk to your health. “Maybe you don’t go outside as much in the next week or so, as long as the dust cloud is here,” said Presley. “You want to make sure you’re not potentially exposing yourself to those dust particles.”. Homeless Corpus Christi: Crisis on our Streets. John Oliva covers issues that matter to you.

A news release stated, "desert- infused air is considered an environmental trigger affecting individuals with asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or respiratory illnesses. Amid pandemic, confidence in CDC erodes with questions of political interference. Presley says just like you wear a mask to protect yourself from COVID-19, the same concept applies for the dust. BATON ROUGE, La.

RELATED: Dr. Steve Caparotta explains the Saharan dust layer. If you do need to leave the house in the next few days, put on a mask. The Health District urges taking extra precautions to avoid inhalation of the dust because symptoms may mimic COVID-19. Amanda Kitch is a content producer for WAFB's The Louisiana Weekend. Copyright 2020 WAFB. (WAFB) - The Saharan dust cloud has made for some interesting skyline shots of the Capital City, but it may also pose a risk to your health. CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — According to Corpus Christi Nueces County Public Health District, the yearly passing of the Saharan dust could mimic COVID-10 symptoms.

“With those dust particles, if you inhale them, they can cause symptoms like dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, mild chest pains,” said Steven Presley, a licensed physician assistant and the director of development at Patient Plus Urgent Care Center. Saharan Dust has booked a one-way ticket to respiratory systems across South Texas as it makes landfall. He explains the dust plume poses the biggest threat of discomfort to those with preexisting respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and bronchitis. If you develop symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing, you should consult with your doctor. Saharan dust cloud symptoms could mimic COVID-19 Camille Hoxworth 6/26/2020. It usually makes its way to the tropics over the summer and makes its way into the Coastal Bend. Presley points out that unfortunately, these dust cloud symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, but there are some differences to look out for. Traveling from the Saharan Desert through the Atlantic Oceans, the cloud will make its way to the tropics during the months of June and/or July. With the Saharan dust cloud slowly traveling across the Lone Star State, many Texans are experiencing runny noses and watery eyes, symptoms that mimic those of the coronavirus. The massive Sahara dust storm that created hazy, and at times picturesque, landscapes in parts of the U.S. this week continued its march westward Friday and is … Coronavirus tests offered at private clinics, but tests still scarce. The Saharan dust plume is desert-infused air made up of sand and mineral particles that travel from the Saharan Desert through the Atlantic.

What to know about Saharan Dust in the air. “If you’re wearing a mask, you reduce the chance of inhaling those particles through your nose and your mouth and potentially aggravate those symptoms,” he said. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2020 Gray Television, Inc. How the Saharan Dust can affect your health, Dr. Steve breaks down Saharan dust and your health. Asthma sufferers get the brunt of the blow when the Saharan Dust hits.

If you experience an episode or debilitating symptoms, call your physician or visit an urgent care center. All rights reserved. If the symptoms get worse and if you have shortness of breath, you're asked to call 911. More: How one South Texas town is fighting COVID-19, More: Some wait nearly a month for COVID-19 test results from state-run mobile units. It can help keep dust particles out of the nose and mouth (and, of course, help prevent transmission of COVID-19, as well). Taking in those air particles may flare up your condition. (HealthDay)—As the giant Saharan dust plume continues its 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, experts warn that people in its path can expect to have flare-ups of allergies and asthma. Symptoms can include trouble breathing, asthma attacks, incessant sneezing, swelling of the throat and eyes, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, runny and stuffy nose. 844 Government StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70802(225) 383-9999.

Residents should consult with their primary care physician if symptoms develop, such as nasal congestion and sneezing.

... inhalation of the dust because symptoms … If symptoms continue to worsen, causing shortness of breath, it is recommended residents call 911, according to the release. So the easiest thing to do is probably to just stay inside. July 1, 2020 at 2:33 PM CDT - Updated July 2 at 4:49 AM. The Harmattan dust is blown over predominantly rural regions in West Africa, but the Saharan dust in Europe blows over regions of heavy industry and can mix with industrial pollutants. Now as for the dust’s effects on outdoor pets, Claiborne Hill Veterinary Hospital says if you don’t see your pet exhibiting allergy symptoms such as sneezing, then your animals are okay.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Residents with existing respiratory illnesses are advised to take extra precautions during the time Sahara dust is present.". People with allergy issues also suffer. If you do have preexisting respiratory issues, he says it’s a good idea to make sure you have refilled prescriptions or inhalers handy. Requesting a test doesn't mean a patient will get one. Officials recommend they stay at home as much as possible and when venturing outdoors, wear a face covering. The City of New Orleans is moving into the first three stages of Phase 3, according to Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Dust inhalation could cause health issues such as sneezing, persistent cough, Rhinitis, asthma attacks and Pneumoconiosis. How one South Texas town is fighting COVID-19, Some wait nearly a month for COVID-19 test results from state-run mobile units, Consider supporting local journalism with a digital subscription to the Caller-Times, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Tests for the coronavirus are being offered at some private clinics, but tests are still scarce. The plume is "desert-infused air made of sand and mineral particles," according to an advisory from the department, and is considered an environmental trigger that could affect individuals with asthma, COPD, bronchitis or other respiratory illnesses. “They do need to make sure they have those ready on hand in case they do experience an exacerbation,” said Presley.