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Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Port of Spain, June 16, 2010:
The Ministry of Health wishes to advise that it has intensified its Dengue Prevention Programme and will continue to focus on:
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Inspection of all premises, drains and high risk areas nationwide.
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Spraying of homes where there is increased likelihood for the presence of Dengue Fever cases. This involves the use of insecticides on the walls and fogging around the buildings, as well as the use of spraying from the road via the ultra low volume (ULV) machine
Applying a larvicidal to kill mosquito larvae in water stored in barrels for drinking
The reduction of sources for the breeding of the Dengue-spreading Aedes Aegypti mosquito via community dengue health education and the collaboration with the Regional Corporations for clean up orders and notices, as well as clean up campaigns for the removal of all discarded materials and containers that are liable to hold water
Particular emphasis will be placed on the treatment and spraying in communities where there have been:
High infestation of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito
The Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector Control Department will conduct spraying exercises for 35,216 homes within the following counties from June 1st to July 15th 2010 (7 weeks):
Victoria West
Nariva / Mayaro
St George East
St George West
St George Central
Caroni
St Patrick
Citizen Advisory
The public is reminded that Dengue Fever is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito. To prevent the spread of this disease, the public is advised to practice source reduction through:
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Disposal of all unwanted containers in the yard or environs which when exposed to the rain can collect water e.g. styrotex cups, bottles, old tyres;
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Covering of all water-containing containers such as barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito-proof covering;
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Checking your guttering and making sure that the water flows freely without any obstruction by leaves or branches, and guttering is free from any kinks;
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Emptying the pan under the refrigerator which can collect water;
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Emptying and scrubbing the sides of water vases or using dirt or sand instead to support the flowers;
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Ensuring that the drains in your compound allow the free flow of water.
If you feel that you need assistance in cleaning your community, then please contact your Local Government Authority. If there is a mosquito infestation, please call Insect Vector Control at 663 2281 or email the Ministry at corpcomm@health.gov.tt.
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