Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, is making an urgent appeal to the Community Councils in taking immediate measures to prevent the breeding of mosquitos due to the recurrent daily rainfall. CPS is also calling on the Councils and to collaborate with Waste Disposal Companies in their districts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing old refridgere, stoves, buckets, tires and household garbage.
This urgent appeal is being made due to the presence of Chikungunya on the North side of the island. Immediate action is needed in the districts of Oyster Pond, Dawn Beach, Belvedere and Dutch Quarter based on the fact the first cluster was identified in French Oyster Pond.
Chikungunya (CHIK) fever is an emerging, mosquito-borne disease caused by an alphavirus, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV).
Each resident in a community can prevent mosquito breeding sites by taking preventive actions in and around their environment thereby creating a mosquito free zone.
Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, ‘Get Checked" campaign, is in line with CPS’s appeal for residents, and business owners in the districts to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Minster added that Community Councils and Waste Disposal Companies can play a key role in the fight and is also appealing to the aforementioned to work with the public health authorities of the North and South sides of the island in a joint campaign of "All Together against Mosquito’s".
Minister De Weever adds: "I am appealing to the community to take action today. Don’t become a patient due to dengue or chikungunya because on the fact that you did not take any action. Don’t let your children, family, friends or neighbours become ill from mosquitoes.
"We are all personally responsible for our surroundings and what we wear. One should wear long sleeve clothes to protect ourselves and follow our prevention tips and campaign that has been on-going," Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Monday.
Dengue Fever and Chikungunya are 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.
Based on the aforementioned it is recommended for persons to walk around their surroundings within seven days to eliminate all possible breeding sites.
Persons are recommended to keep their homes, yards, neighborhoods and work environment free from mosquito breeding sites.
Actively destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, Frigidaire, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time it collects water.
Clean debris from rain gutters and remove any standing water under or around structures, or on flat roofs. Check around faucets and air conditioner units and repair leaks or eliminate puddles that remain for several days.
Fill or drain puddles, ditches and swampy areas, and/or remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar and regularly treat and monitor.
Eliminate seepage from cisterns, cesspools, and septic tanks. Eliminate standing water around animal watering troughs. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, plastic bags, foam dishes or even plastic cups strewn on the road side.
An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk for Dengue Fever and Chikungunya. For information about dengue fever prevention measures, you can call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.