~ Vector control team continues this weekend in Ebenezer district ~
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The National Mosquito Elimination Community Program Zika Virus disease (ZikV) “Beat ZikV,” last weekend was in the residential area of Ebenezer, and of the homes/yards visited, one in four yards have mosquito larvae. This weekend the vector control team will continue with inspections in Ebenezer. The cooperation of all residents is needed in order to beat the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
The vector control team and volunteers visited in total 89 +/- premises of which 43 were found open for yard inspections.
A home owner’s survey was also carried out in Ebenezer to determine people’s attitudes towards and knowledge of mosquitos and elimination measures.
Home owners questioned were aware of the importance of standing water with respect to mosquito challenges in their area, but 34 per cent of the residents considered drainage and fogging and other chemical methods as the best way to control the mosquito population.
Residents were aware that mosquitoes are both disease carriers and an annoyance, and 56 per cent considered disease control to be an important reason for controlling mosquitoes.
Collective Prevention Services (CPS) within the Ministry of Public Health Social Development is coordinating this campaign.
The Vector Control Unit of CPS was supported by personnel from the St. Maarten Red Cross.
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry and spread disease to humans causes millions of deaths every year.
Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever are all transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. More than half of the world’s population lives in areas where this mosquito species is present.
Sustained mosquito control efforts are important to prevent outbreaks from these diseases. There are several different types of mosquitoes and some have the ability to carry many different diseases.
The Beat ZikV community program calls for close cooperation of residents within the identified district (s) to ensure a smooth operation of house to house visits and their availability to create an opportunity to provide one on one education on the elimination of mosquito breeding sites in and around the house.
The ultimate objective is to minimize the occurrence of mosquito borne diseases by eliminating mosquito breeding sites within the districts with a special focus on the elimination of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Actively destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water. Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time it collects water.
An increase in the mosquito population puts residents and visitors at risk. For information about dengue fever, zika and chikungunya prevention measures, you can call CPS 542-2078 or 542-3003 to report mosquito breeding sites or email: surveillance@sintmaartengov.org
