GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain on a daily basis control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises.
Accumulation of rainwater in tires provides breeding space for mosquitoes that carry the zika/dengue/chikungunya viruses.
Residents, and business owners, need to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, making them mosquito-free zones.
The design of tires makes them ideal breeding sites for several species of mosquitoes, some of which are very important vectors of disease. Since they are easily filled by rain and collect leaf litter, they provide an ideal incubator for mosquito larvae.
By taking action, one will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat and the associated disease risks. When discarding tires, ensure that they cannot hold water by puncturing holes in them or cutting them up into pieces before throwing them away.
Zika, dengue fever and chickungunya are transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.
Even after you have cleaned-up your garage/tire repair shop and surroundings, it is recommended for owners and staff to walk around the place on a weekly basis especially after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.
Inform CPS about your challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes/establishments to collectively seek a solution.
Call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or the emergency number 550-2255 that is 550-CALL; you can also visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services or email us at surveillance@sintmaartengov.org for mosquito prevention measures.
