KINGSTON, Jamaica- The Health ministry says that over 3,500 premises have been visited and approximately 5,000 containers inspected since intensified vector control activities began in September. 

To date, 450 communities have been fogged and containers found to be breeding sites for the aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, have been treated,  the ministry said. 

Approximately 800 communities are being targeted for these interventions. In addition a major public education campaign has been initiated and is aimed at sensitising the public about the role that they play in reducing mosquito population.

Health Minister Fenton Ferguson said that government was taking a collaborative approach to vector control across the island. Speaking during a press conference held at the Ministry’s head office this morning Ferguson said he has already met with some of his colleagues about the issue.

“I have met with the Ministers of Local Government and Community Development and Transport and Works as well as the Mayors to target important sites. We have been taking the necessary steps to reduce the mosquito population and limit the impact of the epidemic across the island,” he noted.

This intensified programme is expected to last until December 2012 but will continue if the need arises, the ministry said.

The country has recorded an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever since the start of the year, with the ministry reporting a total of 1,215 suspected cases of dengue fever as at September 29, 2012, compared to 887 last year and 3202 in 2010 – an outbreak year. There have been five suspected dengue deaths with one confirmed via autopsy.

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