Mosquitoes Spread Diseases Including Zika Virus Infection

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse is re-iterating the need for individuals to destroy mosquito breeding sites especially given the recent drought conditions and current rainfall being experienced islandwide as mosquitoes are known to spread diseases including Zika virus infection.

Dr. DuCasse says it has been proven scientifically that mosquitoes can transmit several viruses which cause diseases including zika virus infection.

‘Mosquitoes have over the years been responsible for the spread of diseases. It has been proven scientifically that the Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for the transmission of the viruses that cause yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus infection. Greater attention, therefore, needs to be placed on destroying mosquito breeding sites around homes, schools, businesses and places of worship as this mosquito thrives around people,” she explained.

Mosquito control is the only measure that can interrupt the transmission of the vector-borne diseases, such as the Zika virus she added.

Dr. DuCasse is urging persons to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of old tyres and containers in which water can settle, punching holes in tins before disposing, and covering large drums, barrels and tanks holding water.

The Ministry of Health continues its preparedness for any possible introduction of the Zika virus into the island by implementing the recommendations of the World Health Organization / Pan American Health Organization, which include, heightening surveillance to detect any possible cases of Zika virus infection, ensuring appropriate clinical management of cases, public education and implementing a comprehensive integrated vector management programme.