Coastal areas more prone to weather-related illness

JEDDAH — With climatic conditions in the Kingdom fluctuating constantly, many diseases are spreading among people. However, the coastal regions have become more vulnerable to the risk of diseases compared to the interior, according to an epidemiologist. Dr. Magdi Al-Toukhi, consultant in public health and infectious diseases, said cities are more susceptible to epidemics. He also said diseases such as malaria and bilharzia (schistosomiasis) spread quickly in the warm regions of the Kingdom's south. "Measuring the pathological effects of climate change in a coastal city such as Jeddah, we found epidemics such as dengue fever and gastroenteritis spread quickly in warmer climates," Al-Toukhi told Al-Watan newspaper. He pointed out that populations in the coastal cities were the first to be exposed to the risk of diseases caused by extreme weather fluctuations as they are less immune than people living in the interior regions. "High humidity in coastal areas coupled with extreme heat increases the incidence of eye diseases, asthma and allergies among smokers, along with air pollution and the emission of automobile gases," said Al-Toukhi. Al-Toukhi stressed the importance of preventive measures against infectious diseases, especially with the Haj season approaching fast. He pointed to the need for taking vaccines, drinking fluids frequently to lift the immunity level, washing hands constantly, avoiding hugs as much as possible and using medical masks by all employees who in direct contact with people in congested areas. Dr. Salim Bahammam, psychology professor and consultant in human resource management, believes that fluctuations in climatic conditions more or less have a great affect on the moods and psychological conditions of people. "This change might impact thinking patterns and make people less patient, nervous, aggressive, intolerant and less compassionate. Bahammam pointed out that the most affected by the warm weather in the first place is the family, because people tend to take quick and uninformed decisions in such conditions. "My advice to people with severe mood swings to avoid exposure to heat and choose environments that help improve their moods," he said.