GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, is urgently appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take immediate measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain on a daily basis control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises.
Accumulation of rainwater in tires provides breeding space to mosquitoes that carry the dengue-causing virus that also spreads the chikungunya virus.
The Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour has stepped up measures to prevent mosquito breeding sites and the population as well as business establishment also have a very important role to play.
The design of tires makes them ideal breeding sites for several species of mosquitoes, some of which are very important vectors of disease. Since they are easily filled by rain and collect leaf litter, they provide an ideal incubator for mosquito larvae.
It has been reported by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency that of the mosquito problems associated with waste tires, it is probably safe to say that 20 per cent of the tires are responsible for 80 per cent of the problem.
If we can eliminate scrap tire dumps, we will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat and the associated disease risks. When discarding tires, ensure that they cannot hold water by puncturing holes in them or cutting them up into pieces before throwing them away.
Dengue fever and chickungunya is 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 garage/tire repair shop and surroundings, it is recommended for persons to walk around their place on a weekly basis and after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.
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.
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 visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Inform CPS about your challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes/establishments to collectively seek a solution to the identified challenge.