Sydney [Australia], November 10: Health authorities of Australia's state of Victoria warned residents in parts of the state to be cautious of epidemic thunderstorm asthma on Thursday.
According to Victoria's health department, epidemic thunderstorm asthma is when a large number of people develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time. Such events are uncommon and could happen during grass pollen season from October through December in southeast Australia.
Victoria's health department said the combination of forecast extreme grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm with strong winds means that epidemic thunderstorm asthma may occur.
The health authorities suggested residents in the Wimmera region in northwest Victoria, who have asthma or hay fever, or who experience wheezing, breathlessness, a feeling of tightness in the chest or a persistent cough, to carry reliever medication at all times on Thursday and avoid the wind gusts.
Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, experienced the world's largest epidemic thunderstorm asthma event on Nov. 21, 2016, with thousands of people developing breathing difficulties in a very short period of time.
Source: Xinhua
