PHILIPSBURG–The Health Ministry’s Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is urging the populace to take measures to help prevent the spread of mosquitoes.
CPS said in a press release that daily intermittent rainfall creates mosquito-breeding sites and therefore, every household and business should continue taking proactive measures to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
“Be on the alert for mosquito-breeding sites and eliminate them, especially after every rainfall event,” CPS advised. “Actively destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, 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/vases or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time they collect water. Maintain screen of cistern outlets, covers and screen off septic tanks properly, and screen windows and doors,” CPA advised.
Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently reported that the number of zika cases in the Caribbean has significantly declined from the outbreak of 2016. However, there is still need for continued vigilance and action on mosquito-borne diseases, which pose a health security threat, a tourism threat and an economic threat.
Zika, the latest mosquito-borne disease to the region, came on the heels of chikungunya, which affected the health and economic structure of most countries and territories.
In late 2015, the Caribbean confirmed its first case of the zika virus, followed by a dramatic increase in 2016. The number of laboratory requests and confirmed tests peaked in August, then began a steady decline to December. The zika epidemic has shown signs of a significant slow-down, and the risk to residents and visitors is deemed much lower. However, the region continues to struggle and fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito responsible for its transmission.
Zika has been associated with an increase in Guillian Barre Syndromes (GBS) in five CARPHA Member States (CMS). A zika-associated case of microcephaly has also been reported in one country. No reports of sexually-transmitted zika cases in CMS have been documented. These associated complications can have a marked impact on the people affected and their communities.
Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. C. James Hospedales said the region has seen dengue, chikungunya and now zika, which is transmitted by the same mosquito, and the key to tackling them is prevention and control. “We must continue to literally wage war on them. But we need to be smarter. We need new approaches, technologies and partners against this threat, which is present throughout most of the tropical world.”
CPS says the war on mosquitoes requires an integrated collaborative and effective approach, and therefore calls on the populace, as well as visitors to wear light-coloured clothing at dusk; long-sleeve shirts and pants, and use mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by a mosquito that could possibly be carrying a mosquito-borne disease.
Additional information about dengue fever, zika and chikungunya prevention measures can be obtained by calling CPS at tel. 542-2078.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/67945-cps-urges-community-to-take-mosquito-prevention-measures
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