PHILIPSBURG–The Ministry of Public Health VSA and the Collective Prevention Services remind the public to be vigilant in preventing and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites. Mosquito-breeding sites may have increased due to recent heavy rainfalls.
Vector control teams have been responding to support inquiries from the community. The department reminds the community that one of the most important actions to take against mosquito-breeding is to remove any stagnant water around properties.
“Empty pots, tarps, tools and trash cans of any water that has collected, as they are all breeding grounds for mosquitoes. If a mosquito problem already exists, CPS recommends controlling adult mosquitoes through mosquito traps, space sprays and vegetation management. Mosquitoes can also be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened,” according to the VSA Ministry on Wednesday.
Weather permitting, the following districts will be fogged in the upcoming weeks; Sucker Garden, Middle Region, Dutch Quarter, Defiance, Illidge Road, Over The Bank, Guana Bay, Cay Hill, Mary’s Fancy, Cay Bay and Maho. These districts have been determined based on assessments by the vector control teams and fogging will be carried out for a limited period.
The fogging, a chemical control method, is executed based on epidemic containment and is a temporary method which does not have full effect on the mosquito breeding and elimination process. One of the limitations of fogging is that it affects primarily adult mosquitos that come in contact with the fog.
The VSA Ministry and CPS conducted several community-based vector control programmes earlier this year, including a collaborative clean-up campaign within the communities. Several homes and properties were assessed for mosquito-breeding sites and clean-up assistance was provided to dispose of hurricane debris and any bulky waste, such as refrigerators, stoves, tires, containers, etc.
These campaigns were funded in part by the World Bank, and created temporary jobs for unemployed persons. The Ministry and CPS will be hosting follow-up campaigns as part of their prevention and awareness actions to the community.
CPS reminds the public to practice the Three Ds of mosquito prevention – Drain, Dress and Defend: Drain – empty out water containers at least once per week; Dress – wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; Defend – properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
For more information about and preventative measures related to mosquitoes, call CPS at 542-1122, 542-1123 or 542-3553, WhatsApp number 554-2107 or email
surveillance@sintmaartengov.org
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/82244-cps-reminds-public-to-help-prevent-mosquito-breeding
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