New mosquito challenge in St Ann
They attack in swarms and when they bite, they refuse to leave
Chief public health inspector for St Ann Leroy Scott has urged residents of the parish to make an effort to clear debris and other items which may become mosquito habitats.
Speaking at the monthly sitting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation on Thursday, Scott said assessments done by the health department have shown a significant increase in mosquito breeding.
“The hurricane and continuous intermittent rainfall have significantly impacted the level of mosquito breeding presently and in the coming weeks,” said Scott.
He pointed out that areas flooded by Hurricane Melissa’s rains are being infested by Culex mosquitoes which, unlike the Ades Aygepti, don’t breed in containers.
“Instead, these breed in clogged drains, ponds, and stagnant water collections, and in accumulated trees and leaf debris following the storm. They attack in swarms and when they bite, they refuse to leave. So this period will be quite painful for all of us because even in areas where we don’t normally have complaints of mosquito breeding we will have now,” added Scott
He said that it will be a challenge for the health department and residents to locate the breeding sites
“Many of these breeding sites will never be located because they are so diverse and unusual, but for those we can identify, it will help if each of us help clear the debris blocking the drains or hampering natural water run-off as well as clear fallen trees and vegetation from our own spaces,” said Scott.
The Culex mosquitoes are lager than other species and darker in appearance.
“These mosquitoes are not what we are used to, so protect yourself, and if it means staying inside when you don’t have to go out please do so,” Scott advised.
He said the health department has been conducting vector control activities across the parish to destroy breeding sites.
“Our interventions include assessment and larvicidal treatment and [the] oiling of temporary water accumulation will continue for the next five weeks [in addition to] a three-team daily fogging schedule,” Scott said.
The Culex mosquito.
