Help prevent spread of mosquito borne diseases, health officials urge

 

Health officials are encouraging people to help prevent the spread of mosquito borne diseases.

 

The recent passage of Hurricane Beryl coupled with the recent heavy rains have resulted in water collecting in several areas, creating potential mosquito breeding sites.

 

Medical Entomologist and Manager, Vector Control Programme in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Sherine Huntley-Jones, says residents have a role to play in limiting the spread of diseases. 

 

"The Ministry has maxed out its capacity. As Minister said, we're out morning and evening. But individuals are going to have to protect themselves from mosquito bites, so we're encouraging persons, use your repellents, walk with your repellents in your bags, use your repellents when you're at home and you have to go outside and be impacted by mosquitoes," she said, noting that the repellants work and will reduce mosquito bites. 

 

"We're asking persons as well to use the commercially available aerosols on the market. Just as you use them in your home to spray lizards and cockroaches, they can be used against mosquitoes quite effectively. So while we are doing our part in doing the fogging, persons must implement those personal protective measures to reduce the number of breeding sites," urged Mrs. Huntley-Jones.