Health ministry explains increase in mosquito population

The Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authorities are enhancing their vector control activities across all parishes to tackle the increase in the mosquito population.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse says focus will also be placed on schools at this time, but persons may contact the health department in their parish to report any area that they believe may need to be fogged.

The Ministry is also advising persons to take steps to protect themselves and their homes from mosquitoes. 

Dr DuCasse says persons can put mesh on doors and windows, use insect repellent, wear long sleeved clothing and use insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes.

She says since these mosquitoes are mostly active at dusk and dawn persons should avoid outdoor activities and keep homes locked up during this time.

“The population of the mosquitoes that are now causing concern for many citizens, has increased because these types lay their eggs in the soil during the dry period and once it rains these eggs hatch.

These do not generally spread diseases but can cause discomfort,” Dr DuCasse said in a news release this afternoon.