KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the mosquito population already showing an increase in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, including the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti species, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is ramping up its vector control activities.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton shared details of his ministry’s plan of action to keep the mosquito population in check on Tuesday, during a statement in the House of Representatives.

“In order to mitigate any risk of a dengue outbreak, all parishes have activated an enhanced vector control programme, which will see the employment of over 700 temporary vector control workers. These additional personnel will undertake our larvicidal programme and will conduct house-to-house search and destroy operations,” he said.

He shared that the western region has begun its programme of fogging using support from private companies as well as the rental of vehicles.

“This action is now required because of the significant flooding damage that was done to their fleet in Catherine Hall, where approximately nine of the vector control fleet were destroyed,” said Tufton.

He told the House that the ministry will continue its programme of vector control by the oiling of stagnant water in over 150 communities this week. Over 500 communities are expected to be treated over the next two weeks.

The health and wellness minister said ULV machines and other fogging equipment have been increased through support from the United Nations Children’s Fund, and over 10,000 natular tablets and other vector control paraphernalia have been distributed to the regions. He said an additional 80 thermal foggers and 40,000 drum covers will be procured over the next two weeks.

—Lynford Simpson