Campbell-Forrester

The Ministry of Health and Environment has begun a vector control programme in an attempt to rid the country of mosquitoes and prevent an outbreak of dengue fever.

Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, chief medical officer of health, said the focus will be on areas that were affected by Hurricane Dean, which lashed the island in August.

"After a hurricane there is always the increased risk of diseases caused by mosquitoes and other vectors," Dr. Campbell-Forrester said.

She noted that the Ministry of Health and Environment had alerted the country to an increase in the aedes aegypti, the mosquito that causes dengue fever, and is taking precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of the disease.

Dr. Campbell-Forrester said the ministry's vector control efforts would be boosted by donor funds of $4 million.

Mosquito control measures to reduce vectors are as follows:

Search for breeding sites, treat and destroy.

Space fogging will be scaled up, especially in Clarendon and St. Catherine, and the programme for malaria will continue in Kingston and St. Andrew.

Persons are encouraged to protect their health by:

Checking around their homes for any water storage containers, such as vases, drums, flower pot saucers, for mosquito larvae (wrigglers).

Washing vases and saucers frequently to get rid of mosquito eggs.

Boring holes in cans before discarding them.

For personal protection from biting:

Wear full clothing covering arms, legs and other exposed body parts.

Use an insect repellent containing the chemical DEET.