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Public urged to reduce mosquito breeding after heavy rainfall

The Environmental Health Division is urging residents to take immediate action to reduce mosquito breeding sites following heavy rainfall. Photo: fischerenv.com/File
Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Ms Henrietta Alexander said the accumulation of standing water poses a significant risk for increased mosquito activity, which can lead to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Chikungunya. Photo: Facebook/File
Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Ms Henrietta Alexander said the accumulation of standing water poses a significant risk for increased mosquito activity, which can lead to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Chikungunya. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Environmental Health Division is urging residents to take immediate action to reduce mosquito breeding sites following heavy rainfall.

Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Ms Henrietta Alexander said the accumulation of standing water poses a significant risk for increased mosquito activity, which can lead to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Chikungunya.

Ms Alexander in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on May 24, 2024, said, “The recent rains have created numerous potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “By taking simple steps to eliminate standing water, residents can play a crucial role in reducing the mosquito population and protecting our community from illness.”

Steps to take

Members of the community are asked to inspect their property and remove standing water by regularly checking and emptying containers that collect water, such as flowerpots, which can serve as breeding sites; Ensuring that gutters and drains are cleared of debris so that water can flow freely. Blocked gutters can create pools of water that attract mosquitoes; and keep swimming pools, hot tubs, and ornamental ponds properly maintained and chlorinated. Cover pools when not in use and use aeration for ponds to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs;

The public is also asked to check tarps, covers, and other outdoor equipment for water accumulation; Properly dispose of old tires and ensure that any containers stored outdoors are turned upside down or covered to prevent water collection; and Keep lawns mowed and shrubs trimmed to reduce hiding places for adult mosquitoes. Overgrown vegetation provides ideal resting spots for mosquitoes during the day.

‘Use mosquito repellents’- Henrietta Alexander

Ms Alexander is also advising the community to use mosquito repellent when outdoors and to ensure that window and door screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

She added that community-wide participation in source reduction is essential to our mosquito control efforts. “By taking these preventive measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and create a healthier environment for everyone,” Ms Alexander said.

14 Responses to “Public urged to reduce mosquito breeding after heavy rainfall”

  • ... (26/05/2024, 13:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good advice
  • Visiting (26/05/2024, 13:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Anyone know where I can find this department?
  • So (26/05/2024, 14:06) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    What’s the point in dem releasing the mosquitos tho?
  • VG (26/05/2024, 14:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    While we are taking steps to reduce breeding, it has who are taking steps to import them.
  • VG (26/05/2024, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We urge government to clean up Prospect Reef the biggest breeding ground for mosquitoes. Its a disgusting site. Level it down like you did for music fest ground until a sensible government take over and do something with it.
    • We here joking around (26/05/2024, 19:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      While Caneel Bay already cleaned their closed ravished hotel
  • Hmmmm (26/05/2024, 17:57) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Should tell government this all them drains that not getting clean an water stay stagnant all by old road to entry of airport mosquito big like fly
  • The Poli.Farmer (26/05/2024, 18:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    When Caul RANTED about the mosquitoes, the bloggers had all kind of sh!t to say. Now look, we STILL getting eat!!!

    The entire project is a failure
  • are they dead? (26/05/2024, 19:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where are the bionic mosquitoes that Bill Gates sent?
  • watch (26/05/2024, 20:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give them condoms
  • Wait what (26/05/2024, 22:05) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thought those boxes and boxes of Billy boy mosquitos supp to
    Get rid of the female
    Well we knew better
  • WE ARE THE VICTIMS (27/05/2024, 07:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    of these hypocrites ,who is charge of running their country / @hmmmm you said right / @ are they dead , you said it right / the old white buildings between what was the cultural center and the stop lights by treasure isles , has water likes leaking there for donkey years ,( check out how green the grass and trees around one of the buildings next to the ghut is , and check out the ghut itself , that's just a typical example along with what you guys commented about , but they don't give a sh*t about rectifying those problems , they just enjoy SQUANDERING tax payers money as they don't have to give an account of how they spend it , free jams is it these day in the holy killing field
  • Vg man (27/05/2024, 09:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wonder how much money Vincent get under the table to use virgin gordians as guinea pigs
  • Me (27/05/2024, 18:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vincent in the caribbean this week is observe as mosquitoes awareness week where.the hell are you on this.


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