Victoria warned of thunderstorm asthma event that could hit parts of the state

Victorians have been warned of a “high risk” for an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event to sweep through parts of the state.

The Department of Health issued a warning on Wednesday alerting residents in the North Central, West and South Gippsland districts to be prepared and stay inside.

Victoria’s chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said a combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm with strong winds meant there was a chance people might develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

She said health and emergency services were monitoring the situation closely and were ready to respond.

In 2016, the world’s deadliest thunderstorm asthma epidemic occurred in Melbourne. Ten people died and about 3500 required medical attention in 30 hours, straining the city’s healthcare system.

Dr Looker said people with asthma, spring hay fever and or undiagnosed asthma were at increased risk and should avoid the wind gusts before and during the storm and stay inside.

“Close your windows and doors and turn off air conditioners that bring in air from the outside (such as evaporative air conditioners),” she said.

“People with asthma should have their reliever medication with them at all times today and review their asthma action plan.

“Those with spring hay fever should learn asthma first aid and have ready access to an asthma reliever at short notice.”

The doctor said people who felt unwell should phone Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24, visit the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at www.vved.org.au or see their doctor.