KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) is urging members of the public to desist from attacking vector control workers, while carrying out their duties.

The call follows a stoning incident of a vector control team in Siloah, St Elizabeth on Tuesday, November 18.

Detailing the incident in a release on Thursday, the authority shared that the team stopped to address a machine malfunction when one team member was struck on the shoulder by a stone. Another team member was then hit and the team retreated after observing additional stones being thrown at them.

Two team members suffered physical injuries and pain and had to seek medical attention. The matter was reported to the police.

The SRHA is reminding the public that vector control workers are properly identified by uniforms and identification cards and operate from marked Ministry of Health and Wellness vehicles.

The authority added that the chemical used in the fogging process is certified and approved for use, and is safe to operate or be applied around an environment with residents.

Additionally, the team has ramped up its environmental health activities to minimise adverse health-related outcomes in the parish. They have been doing health education, inspections, activities and assessments in areas of food safety, wastewater management, water quality monitoring, vector control (fogging, oiling) and general sanitation.