Residents urged to step up mosquito elimination measures
Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, hereby announces that emergency mosquito fogging will be carried out on Tuesday, December 10 at the immediate border area section Belvedere, Oyster Pond and Dawn Beach. Cole Bay will be done at a later date.
The fogging exercise is a joint effort by the Governments of both sides in fighting Dengue and now Chikungunya, a dengue-like sickness, whereby there are two confirmed cases on the Northern side of the island.
French authorities will be carrying out fogging activities on the North side of the island and have included the aforementioned immediate border areas of the South side of the island. The fogging will be carried out 5.30am in the morning and 5.15pm in the afternoon.
Residents are however strongly advised to continue to step up measures at homes and businesses to mitigate the rise in dengue fever caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, ‘Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the urgent appeal for residents, and business owners, to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and making them mosquito-free zones.
Fogging is one intervention of several, and the main measure is for every household and business to take action by removing potential mosquito breeding spots in and around their premises on a daily basis.
Homeowners during the time of the spraying should open all doors and windows. Dishes, bowls, pots and pans, fish tanks and bird cages should be covered. Stay away from open windows and doors during the spraying.
An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or email surveillance@sintmaartengov.org