MOSQUITOES are not just an itchy nuisance; they are dangerous carriers of numerous infectious diseases. Globally, mosquitoes spread several viral and parasitic illnesses, many of which threaten the health of the Jamaican populace.

Mosquito-borne diseases also fall within two main categories: Viral diseases — dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, West Nile Virus, Japanese encephalitis, and eastern equine encephalitis; and Parasitic diseases — malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and dog heartworm (mainly in animals but sometimes affecting humans).

Important to note is that different species of mosquitoes spread different diseases.

Global impact of mosquito-borne diseases

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), annually mosquitoes are responsible for causing more than 700,000 deaths. In addition to that, 390 million people are infected each year with dengue, and hundreds of thousands more are affected by Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Mosquitoes are not our friends. Due to the tropical climate that Jamaica and other Caribbean nations experience, environmental conditions are often perfect for mosquito breeding to the extent that the Caribbean region including Jamaica would have had its fair share of the following:

1) Regular dengue fever outbreaks: In fact, amidst the mosquito control efforts and epidemiological surveillance activities, dengue remains endemic in many Caribbean countries. Like dengue, chikungunya is endemic to Jamaica and other neighbouring countries; in fact Jamaica had its first major outbreak of this disease in 2014. Other diseases such as Zika virus are no less serious as this illness has been linked to severe birth defects, such as microcephaly. Malaria is still a threat to Jamaica, especially through imported and cryptic cases. Most recently, heightened interest has been directed toward yellow fever, which to date has shown no locally transmitted cases, but Jamaica remains at risk.

2) On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Ministry of Health & Wellness issued a travellers advisory highlighting the importance of yellow fever vaccination. This comes after the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO)/WHO reported an increase in human yellow fever cases across the Americas. Between January and March 2025 alone, 131 cases were confirmed, with 53 deaths. Cases were reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

Yellow fever is a serious viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever, jaundice, bleeding, and can be fatal. It is classified as a Class 1 Notifiable Disease, meaning all suspected cases must be reported within 24 hours.

Recommendations for Jamaican travellers

If you are travelling to a country where yellow fever is endemic, follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), WHO/PAHO, and the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

So:

1) Get vaccinated

•The yellow fever vaccine is the most effective protection.

•Get one dose at least 10 days before travel. One dose provides lifetime protection.

•When travelling persons must carry the International Certificate of Vaccination as proof.

The information on the yellow fever card must include:

•The card holders name and date of birth

•Date of vaccination

•Official stamp and signature of vaccination centre

•Vaccine batch number.

Without proof of vaccination when travelling from a yellow fever endemic country to Jamaica travellers will be line-listed and the individual’s personal information (address, phone number, travel history) will be recorded so health authorities can quickly contact the traveller if another passenger onboard the travellers flight tests positive for yellow fever.

Where to get vaccinated against yellow fever in Jamaica

Yellow Fever vaccinations are available at:

•Slipe Pen Road Comprehensive Health Centre, Kingston

(Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm)

•Montego Bay Type 5 Health Centre, St James

(Last Thursdays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Cost: $1,500 JMD

Other precautionary measures against yellow fever

Individuals who are interested in getting vaccinated should consult their health-care provider and discuss their travel plans to confirm if the vaccine is safe for them, especially if the person has special health conditions. Outbound travels should also check the WHO’s list of countries with yellow fever transmission risks.

Protect against mosquito bites

The aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes are especially dangerous because they are “domesticated” — living close to humans, breeding in containers like water drums, flowerpots, old tires, and discarded bottles, and preferring to bite during the day. Even if vaccinated against mosquito borne diseases individuals should protect themselves by:

•Using insect repellent.

•Wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants or other suitable clothing to protect the lower body.

•Stay in places with screened windows or air conditioning.

•Keeping updated with the latest travel advisories from the CDC, WHO/PAHO, and the Ministry of Health & Wellness (Jamaica).

Prevention is better than cure

Mosquitoes are not our friends. They endanger health, families, and nations. By taking simple but important steps — like getting vaccinated, using mosquito repellents, and staying informed, individuals can protect themselves and help Jamaica stay safe and healthy.

Erica Sophia Lawrence is lecturer, public health nursing, programme director, School of Public Health and Health Technology, University of Technology, Jamaica.

Erica Sophia Lawrence