The Aedes mosquito is found predominantly in tropical regions. There are many, many species of Aedes mosquito but in Jamaica it is the Aedes aegypti species that is the main vector responsible for the spread of several viral diseases including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika.

The Aedes aegypti is dark and small with white stripes on the legs. The female mosquito requires a blood meal to mature her eggs. If the mosquito bites someone who is infected by one of the mosquito borne illnesses, the virus can then be passed on by the same mosquito to another person when the mosquito takes bite for more blood. One mosquito can bite several persons in the same household. It is therefore important to avoid mosquito bites in order to protect those around you from getting infected.

Yellow fever is another mosquito borne disease seen in South America and very few Caribbean islands, mainly in the forested areas. Yellow fever has not been detected in Jamaica and under the Quarantine Act of Jamaica it is a requirement for incoming passengers to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate before they can be landed. Jamaicans who plan to visit countries where there is yellow fever need to have a yellow fever vaccine which is now effective for 10 years.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites in and around your surroundings

The adult female Aedes aegypti lives in and around the home, schools, workplaces and other places where people gather. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes produce on average 100 to 200 eggs per batch. Laid eggs can survive for very long periods in a dry state, often for more than a year. The life span of the adult mosquito is between two weeks and a month.

The female lays her eggs on the sides and edges of containers where water can settle. Some of these containers in and around where people live include the saucers of potted plants, vases, drums, tyres, gardening equipment, guttering and drains.

Here are some tips to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding sites:

 Check premises weekly for water-filled containers.

1. Throw away water containers that are not needed or recycle them.

2.  Containers such as drums or old appliances must be stored covered, turned over or placed under a roof that does not allow them to fill with water.

3.  Clean and scrub flower vases and pets’ water containers weekly; dump the water from overflow saucers under potted plants and flower pots.

4.  Clear roof gutters and leaves to prevent water from settling.

5. Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with soil or sand.

6.  Repair leaking pipes and outside faucets.

PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by:

1.  using a mosquito repellent that contains DEET, IR3535 or Icaridin

2.  sleeping under a mosquito net

3.  wearing light-coloured clothing and cover body as much as possible

4.  using window mesh and door screens.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESS

There is no specific medication for the treatment of Dengue, CHIKV and Zika virus infections. Pain killers can be taken to reduce the fever and pain. However, only paracetamol (acetaminophen) pain killers should be used. Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Diclofenac (Cataflam and Voltaren). Itchy rashes can be soothed with anti-histamine skin creams. Drink plenty of fluids and rest.

If you believe you may have a mosquito borne illness, report to your doctor or nearest health centre. Seek urgent medical attention if you are pregnant, elderly or have a chronic disease such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney or sickle cell disease. Complications from vector borne diseases are more frequently seen among these persons with underlying medical conditions.

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