GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, is appealing to resident's country wide to step up measures at homes and businesses to mitigate the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that is responsible for the transmission of dengue and chikungunya.
This reminder comes due to recent rain showers that the country has been experiencing.
Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, "Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the 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.
Elimination of mosquitos is an individual responsibility, a community responsibility.
The aggregated number of confirmed chikungunya cases from October 2013 to August 2014 remains small at 372.
On a daily basis check containers such as buckets and water tanks for larvae and eliminate the breeding source. Water tanks should be properly secure and screened to prevent mosquito's from entering. If there aren't any containers with water for mosquitoes to lay the larvae there won't be any adult mosquitoes.
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 adult mosquito.
Even after you have cleaned-up your yard and surroundings, it is recommended for persons to walk around their surroundings on a weekly basis and after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.
Mobilize family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to collectively take actions to eliminate mosquito breeding sources.
Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by cutting down weeds adjacent to the house foundation and in their yards, and mowing the lawn regularly.
On a daily basis check plants in your yard for mosquito breeding sites, keep vegetation properly trim, and avoid overgrown vegetation.
Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading is realized to prevent drainage problems which can be a source for standing water.
When out during dusk and dawn hours, use mosquito repellent or wear proper clothing to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
