PHILIP[SBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is calling on households and businesses to continue to take their own steps after every rainfall event in eliminating mosquito breeding sites to minimize mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue effectively.
This past weekend’s rainfall from Hurricane Erin serves as a reminder that any stagnant water that may have collected in and around homes and businesses should be removed.
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of water. Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.
Breeding sites include tin cans, old tires, empty paint cans, buckets, old saucers, flowerpots, cemetery urns/vases, old pet dishes, unused plastic swimming pools, boats on dry dock, used food containers, plastic drinking cups, plastic shopping bags, or other containers or plants that collect and hold water.
Source reduction begins by covering, removing, or turning over containers, artificial artifacts, and unused boats that could serve as potential breeding sites. Additionally, it involves properly maintaining the yard and surrounding area by trimming overgrown vegetation. Every resident on the island should comply with the source reduction to have an impact on mosquitoes in the community.
A few tips and reminders: Dispose of any unused pots or bins, or turn them upside down to prevent water collection. Keep trash bins covered. If possible, drill drain holes into the bottoms of unused containers. Conduct a weekly assessment in and around your home and workplace. Also, keep a fine-mesh screen over rain barrels, water tanks, and cistern outlets. Clean your rain spouts regularly to ensure water can flow freely and not become stagnant. Also, properly remove old, unused tires.
Dengue can become a life-threatening illness, and everyone must be aware of the symptoms and take the necessary precautions to prevent further mosquito breeding and transmission.
People become infected with the dengue virus when an infected Aedes aegyptus or Aedes albopictus mosquito feeds on or bites them. Usually, between four and seven (4-7) days after a bite from an infected mosquito, people typically begin to show symptoms.
Persons with dengue may present with a fever, nausea/vomiting, rash, muscle/joint pain (myalgia/arthralgia), headache, retro-orbital pain (pain behind the eyes), and petechiae (red/purple spots on skin). If you have a fever and two or more of these symptoms, you may be suspected of having dengue. You should visit your house doctor and be tested for dengue.
In addition to eliminating mosquito breeding sites, use mosquito repellent to prevent the mosquitoes from feeding. Follow the instructions on the product label. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are attracted to dark spaces and clothing at dusk and dawn. It is recommended to wear light coloured clothing during those times.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’s vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
