Ruddy bites back at mosquitoes

Health Minister Rudyard Spencer has ordered that Jamaica's mosquito-control programme be intensified.

As part of the programme, fogging has already been scaled up in some areas and will stretch across most parishes as of today.

"Due to the increase in rainfall in recent times, we have observed an increase in the mosquito population in several areas," Spencer said yesterday.

"Our health teams are always on alert and have been instructed to increase their activities to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses."

The ministry has encouraged persons to take responsibility for reducing breeding sites, especially around their homes.

"We are appealing to persons to follow the advice to eliminate the breeding sites for mosquitoes," said Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sheila Campbell Forrester. "Look for anything in which water can settle and either cover it, keep the area dry, clean it regularly, fill it with soil or sand, punch holes into it, recycle or properly dispose of it."

Breeding grounds

There are a number of areas in which mosquitoes can breed, including old tyres, drums, barrels, discarded containers, bottles, flowerpots and saucers, pet dishes, among others.

If individuals discover mosquito larvae in their containers, they have been advised to scrub the container after discarding the water, as the eggs may still remain alive.

Mosquitoes are well-known carriers of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.

The Opposition People's National Party expressed concern Tuesday morning about a spike in mosquito infestation.

"Residents in many communities, especially in the Kingston and St Andrew region, St Catherine and St Thomas, are now facing tremendous discomfort and are fearful that there could be a significant outbreak of disease," said Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson.