Custos of St. James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin,

is urging Justices of the Peace (JPs) to play an active role in the coordinated

fight against dengue in the parish.

He said that JPs can help by educating

citizens about prevention and mitigation measures.

“I would like to encourage the JPs from

across the parish to speak to the citizens in their various communities,

imploring them to keep their environs clean and safe from the (Aedes aegypti)

mosquito,” Custos Pitkin told JIS News.

He noted that the Western Regional Health

Authority (WRHA) and vector-control workers continue to emphasise the need for

residents to keep their surroundings clean as well as destroy mosquito breeding

sites.

Meanwhile, the St James Custos said he will

be spearheading a community clean-up in a section of Montego Bay.

He is urging citizens to continue to be

vigilant against dengue.

“Dengue is a serious thing and it can be

deadly. Where you have open vessels on the outside to catch water, I encourage

you to keep those containers covered at all times. Ensure that there are no

areas around your home or in your community that can breed the Aedes aegypti

mosquito, and destroy every possible breeding area in your community,” Bishop

Pitkin said.

“Let us be our brother’s keeper and share

the information and encourage your neighbours, family members and friends to

equally keep their area free of breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito,”

he added.

Custos Pitkin is encouraging residents who suspect that they may have dengue to seek early treatment.

“Any symptoms that you have – a headache or

any pain anywhere – find the health clinic, find the doctor. Avoid taking pain

medication until you get to your doctor or to medical personnel, who will then

advise you on what to do,” said Bishop Pitkin.

“We need to encourage our people to find the health clinic [and] I will continue to speak to our citizens about protecting themselves,” he added.

— JIS