Death toll from Australia’s thunderstorm asthma reaches 6

To date, death toll has risen to six and three more are in critical condition, BBC reports.

On Monday, thousands of people in Victoria, Australia were rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties.

A sixth person has died and six people remain in intensive care following Melbourne’s thunderstorm asthma outbreak on Monday. Ambulances as well as police and firefighters were deployed in response to the emergency.

The rare phenomena happens when rye grass pollen breaks into small pieces after getting wet, sending pollen counts to unsafe levels. “When it breaks up it goes straight to the lungs”. Tiny pollen particles then penetrate deep into people’s lungs. It’s spring there, and springtime comes with high levels of pollen.

“We can probably figure out what are the requirements for producing thunderstorm asthma and come up with, if not a flawless forecast system, at least a pretty good one”, he said.

“Thunderstorm asthma is a potentially risky mix of pollens, weather conditions and rain that can trigger severe asthma symptoms”, Asthma Australia said on its website.

Ambulance Victoria’s Mick Stephenson speaks to the media in Melbourne on Tuesday after the asthma thunderstorm event.

“It’s absolutely critical”, she said. Additionally, rainstorms do not always generate higher numbers of asthma attacks even during high-pollen seasons, leaving many researching wondering what they are missing.

Those suffering from mild asthma can experience worse symptoms.

One of the victims of the disease was Omar Moujalled, 18.

Monday’s asthma storm overwhelmed emergency services and hospitals.

The family of Carnevali has said she died in her family’s arms while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Episodes involving thunderstorm asthma are rare, but not unheard of in Melbourne, according to The Age.

But the condition is not limited to Australia. Many of those reporting to the emergency department in Melbourne did not have any pre-existing asthma. Hence, it is advisable by the medical authority of the state to the people to manage their hay fever.

The DHHS also confirmed 20 other people in less severe situations are still receiving treatment. This causes the airway to narrow and triggers an asthma flare-up.