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Dengue risks explained at JIS Portland meeting

October 25, 2010

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Measures to prevent mosquito infestation and reduce the risk of Dengue Fever transmission, were outlined at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Community Meeting at Mount Pleasant All Age School, Portland, on Wednesday (October 20).

Among the measures outlined by Assistant Entomologist at Portland Health Services, Neville Schobourgh, were: careful management of necessary water-holding containers; disposal of unwanted water-holding containers; keeping drains and ditches clear of weeds, to allow water to drain properly; keeping house plants in damp soil instead of water; and repairing leaking pipes and outdoor taps.
“Once these breeding sites are destroyed, it is a vital step in preventing the spread of Dengue, which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito,” he explained.
Between August and September, thermal fogging was carried out in the communities of Bourbon, Maidstone, Industry, Rock Hall and Mount Pleasant, to reduce infestation, by exterminating and controlling the adult mosquito. Prior to that, house to house inspection and treatment of mosquito infested water-holding containers were carried out to destroy the larvae.
Mr. Schobourgh appealed to citizens to adapt these measures, as controlling Dengue and other mosquito borne diseases rely directly on keeping the environment clean.
Community resident, Sharon Clarke, said the meeting was interesting, as she learnt many things about the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. She said she enjoyed the programme, and looked forward to more visits to the community by the JIS team.

Last Updated: August 13, 2013

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