Sector Health Care Affairs (SHCA) Dengue Action Response Team (DART) is requesting homeowners and business managers to be pro-active and search their homes and businesses for spots that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoâ??s, especially after the island has experienced two days of rainfall during the weekend.
All mosquitoes require a water source to lay their eggs, which can hatch into larvae within a week.
Residents are advised to continue to take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to stem any further increase in dengue fever cases.
Persons who notice areas of stagnant water in their districts or large populations of mosquitos should report this to the Department of Hygiene & Veterinary Affairs at 542-2079.
Fogging exercises to destroy mosquitos is dependent on the weather. The current schedule in the various districts had to be discontinued due to rainfall, but would resume once weather conditions have improved.
All residents â?? homeowners – and contractors of building sites are advised to take the following measures to prevent mosquito breeding:
Debris, old tires and stagnant water in yards are the source or can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Tires are especially notorious mosquito breeding sites.
Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure there is no stagnant water in their yards, rain gutters 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.
Drain dishes under flower pots every few days and after rainfall or move them inside. Cover outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Faucets and air conditioners can leak and form puddles that may provide a mosquito breeding habitat. Animal watering troughs should be flushed at least twice a week to prevent them from becoming a breeding site.
Clean up leaves and make sure water does not collect in tarps and pool covers.
In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitos from breeding in the water.
Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.