Gov't allocates $300 million for vector control efforts

By Nakinskie Robinson 

  

As Jamaica remains on high alert for a possible outbreak of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, the government says it is implementing preventive measures.

 

Rains and flooding from recent weather events including Hurricane Beryl, have created the ideal environment for an increase in vectors such as the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

 

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) and the National Works Agency (NWA) have been assisting with clean up efforts to eliminate breeding sites.

 

He said $300 million has been earmarked to carry out mitigation efforts. 

 

"The Ministry of Health will therefore be engaged in an extensive fogging and larviciding programme. Communities should pay attention to the announced schedule. We know that many communities are being plagued by an increase in the mosquito population, and not just mosquito but with other vectors in terms of roaches and rats and flies. The NWA will also be very active in the clearing of various gullies to ensure that there is no breeding."

 

"The hot summer condition along with rainfall will further continue to increase the possibility of an increase in these vectors and increase in the transmission of disease," Mr. Holness warned. 

 

Last week, the Caribbean Public Health Agency said it noted increased reports of dengue outbreaks with hospitalisations and deaths in some instances, and confirmed cases of Zika and chikungunya at its laboratory in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this year, countries in the Americas have reported a record-breaking number of dengue cases, exceeding the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

 

From January 1 to June 24, the region reported more than 9.7 million dengue cases, twice as many as in all of 2023.