The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a health authority body linked to the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, continues to urge the community to take preventative measures in order to avoid a dengue fever epidemic.
The increase in the mosquito population is attributed to the heavy rainfall the island has been experiencing so far for the year. Continuous rainfall is only making matters worse and therefore the CPS is appealing to the population to remove or eliminate mosquito breeding sites/places.
Decreasing the mosquito population calls for a combination of two strategies, firstly, the removal of breeding places and fogging. However, considering the environment and the life cycle of the mosquito (aedes agypti), emphasis is being places on the strategy of eliminating mosquito breeding places.
CPS continues to emphasize that home and business owners should check around their properties right after a rain shower and take immediate measures.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and a rash. Once a person has developed a fever, the infectious period lasts for about a week. Most people recover without any complications, using pain relievers and bed rest.
Contractors on job sites are advised to take immediate steps by checking around the work site for containers and other items that could hold water. Check around for any stagnant water in yards that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
CPS strongly recommends that open lots owned by private individuals should be controlled by them and monitored for mosquito breeding. Overgrown vegetation should be cut away. If a mosquito breeding site is discovered, it should be destroyed.
Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses. Wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent.