With increased mosquito activity around the country due to recent rain showers, it is recommended that you take some simple steps to avoid mosquito bites and thereby protecting children from mosquito-borne diseases.
Section General Health Care (SGHC), a section within the Collective Preventive Services (CPS), an executing government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, recommends the following measures on how to avoid mosquito bites: avoid areas of high mosquito activity, especially around dawn, dusk and the first few hours after sunset.
Wear long, loose-fitting, light colored or protective clothing when outdoors or apply a personal repellent to exposed skin or clothing; socks. Apply repellent only to exposed area of skin, not under clothing.
Don’t use DEET-containing products on infants younger than six-months. Don’t let young children get DEET or picaridin-containing products on their hands or faces. When you go indoors, wash with soap and water to remove any remaining repellent.
Dengue Fever is transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to and adult mosquito.
Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, ‘Get Checked" campaign, is in line with SGHC’s appeal for parents and guardians, to take measures to prevent children from getting bitten by a mosquito.
Mosquitoes can be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened (16-18 mesh). Those insects that do get into structures can be eliminated with a fly swatter or an aerosol space spray containing synergized pyrethrum.
An increase in the mosquito population puts children at risk. For information about dengue fever prevention measures, you can call SGHC at 542-2078 or 542-3003.