Each year, from the start of the long holidays, a period also called ” dry season “, Hospitals and dispensaries record a significant increase in consultations. Acute respiratory infections (IRA) come first, closely followed by allergic and dermatological conditions.
” We note a peak of consultations for persistent coughs, bronchitis, asthma attacks, but also for cases of flu, allergic rhinitis and scabiosis “, reports Dr. Jean Loulessy, general practitioner at the Sino-Gabonese Cooperation Hospital.” As an indication, the flu represents almost 50 % of consultations related to the dry season, allergies (conjunctivitis, throat irritation) about 30 %, scabiosis 15 % and 5 % ringworms “, he details.
The morning freshness, dry winds and omnipresent dust in the air weaken the respiratory mucous membranes, thus facilitating the spread of viruses and bacteria. These conditions also aggravate chronic diseases, such as asthma, particularly affecting children and the elderly. In addition to respiratory diseases, the skin is not spared. Dryness of air and lack of ambient humidity cause, according to our health specialist, irritation, eczemas and skin mycoses.
The lack of water, frequent in the dry season, complicates daily hygiene, especially in rural areas, which promotes the spread of dermatoses. Contrary to what one might think, malaria does not decrease entirely during this season. Certain wetlands, poorly drained or close to water bodies, continue to house the vectors of the disease. The dry season in Gabon is much more than a simple climate phenomenon: it represents a real public health challenge. Faced with recurring but avoidable diseases, prevention remains the most effective weapon, provided you pay the necessary attention.
