The Ministry of Health told RTC News that they are continuing efforts to prevent the further spread of dengue and chikungunya, through public education and enhanced vector control activities throughout the TCI.
Ms. Higgs added that it is important to protect yourself and your family; she added the team at the MOH is advising the public to take the following precautions:
*Use air conditioning or window/door screens
*Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin
*Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
*Properly dispose of any old tires since they can breed thousands of mosquitoes
*Clear roof gutters of debris
*Clean pet water/food dishes regularly
*Monitor and empty children’s toys left out in the yard which may accumulate water
*Repair leaky outdoor faucets
*Canoes and boats should be turned over or covered
*Avoid water collecting on pool covers
*Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on piles of wood
*Plug tree holes
*Cover water drums
*Flower pots/vases, bottles, barrels, buckets, open cesspits, tanks, overturned garbage can lids can collect water and thus breed mosquitoes.
If you are sick with chikungunya or dengue, avoiding mosquito bites will help prevent further spread of the virus.
To treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property call the Environmental Health Department at 649-338-2801.
