Ministry of Health Ramps up Vector Control Programme

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has enhanced its vector control programme to address the increase in the mosquito population since the passage of Hurricane Beryl, including the Aedes aegypti, which transmits the dengue virus.

The measures, which were outlined by Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, today (July 18), include expanding the number of vector-control workers, increasing fogging activities, distribution of drum covers, as well as enhancing public education.

He said that an additional 400 temporary vector-control workers will be engaged to bring the current number to 1,000.

“They will be assigned to high-risk communities to identify and treat breeding sites. In addition, they will assist with the fogging activity, the larvicidal activity that takes place,” Dr. Tufton informed, while addressing a press conference at his New Kingston offices.

The Minister said that the vector-control workers will go into communities, visit homes, inspect water-catchment areas, identify the mosquito and treat breeding sites.

He informed that fogging activities have been extended to seven days per week and will be conducted in the mornings and evenings, with special emphasis on urban centres and high-risk communities.

“We are covering some 18 to 20 communities per fogging session and 30 for larvicidal work,” Dr. Tufton said.

The Minister said that private pest control operators will be engaged to intensify fogging activities in areas most needed.

“Up to this point, we are targeting approximately 10 private contractors,” he said, noting that the Ministry is willing to engage with others once they have the necessary certification.

“The intention is to engage these private contractors over the next two months or so until we can get the population to a level that the Ministry’s team can manage,” he said.

Dr. Tufton noted, further, that 20,000 drum covers are being procured for distribution.

“Since March last year, we have distributed about 11,000 of these covers provided by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Since Beryl, we have distributed about 500; we need to increase this. We are looking to procure some 20,000 for distribution – 10,000 of those coming from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),” he informed.

The Minister urged Jamaicans to play their part in destroying mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes.

“As citizens ,we should take the opportunity… at least once per week to just walk around your home and look for these breeding sites… and it’s important that you take that on as your personal responsibility to protect yourself,” he advised.

Dr. Tufton further encouraged persons to use repellent containing DEET for outdoor activities as well as commercial home use pest control sprays to reduce mosquitoes in their homes.

“As far as is possible, avoid being outdoors during the peak activity time for mosquitoes between dusk and about 8:00 p.m.,” he said.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bissasor-McKenzie, urged persons to take the necessary measures to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses and to seek medical attention if their symptoms worsen.

She said since the start of the year, there have been approximately 1,500 dengue cases notified and one death recorded.