Sahara dust that has been plaguing the North eastern Caribbean including St. Maarten on an annual basis and becomes more prevalent during the summer months affecting persons with allergies and respiratory problems.
The dust from the Sahara Desert in Africa causes sneezing, nasal congestion, respiratory problems, eye itching and other allergy symptoms.
The dust in the Caribbean region is common around this time of year and according to weather experts, coincides with hurricane season.
Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department from the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, as a preventive measure and in preparation for the next time Sahara dust impacts the country, advises persons who suffer from emphysema, asthma and other lung disorders, and are feeling ill, to consult their family physician.
Other measures that can be taken is to keep doors and windows closed and do not go outside if the Sahara dust is prevalent in the sky which can be visibly seen from a haze over the horizon.