The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is the sole vector responsible for the spread of diseases such as Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and Zika. Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes are well adapted to human settlements and tend to breed in water holding containers, whether it be man-made such as tires, buckets, barrels, drums, buckets and trash containers or, natural container such as like tree holes and certain plants. Reducing mosquito breeding sites is essential for both prevention and control during outbreaks of mosquito borne diseases.

Intensifying mosquito control strategies are therefore of utmost importance, this is why it is so necessary to get citizens actively involved in mosquito control. For prevention in the home, householders are called on to reduce the number of key mosquito breeding sites.

To discourage the breeding of mosquitoes in your yard, all householders are encouraged to at least once a week, ensure that any container that can accumulate water is either discarded, or emptied, scrubbed and turned over. In situations where it is necessary to store water, we ask that water holding containers are tightly covered to prevent mosquitos from accessing them.

The Ministry of Health would like to urge residents to practice personal protection to keep themselves safe from mosquito bites by wearing light coloured clothing, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and using repellents containing at least 30 percent DEET especially when doing outdoor activities.

Residents should also seek medical attention if they are experiencing any symptoms of dengue fever. Symptoms of Dengue Fever include a sudden onset of fever, headache, joint pain or muscle pain, fatigue and rash.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-3700.