ST ANN — The St Ann Health Department has served notice that it has no problem throwing the book at people who allow mosquitoes to breed on their premises despite repeated warnings to address the health threat.

“It is punishable under the Public Health Act. We have never allowed it to reach that far, but we are willing to do so, especially if persons are repeat offenders,” said Dr Tamara Henry, medical officer of health in the parish.

She was speaking about the mosquito-borne dengue virus during last Thursday’s monthly sitting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation.

At this time of year, the heat of summer and frequent rainfall combine to provide ideal conditions for mosquito eggs to mature.

As they typically do, health officials across the country have once again launched an appeal for residents to play their part in preventing the pests from breeding.

“Remember mosquitoes love water, so please search the possible places where mosquitoes are likely to be breeding and destroy them. We have been doing what we can by going into the schools, workplaces and houses to do fogging activities, but without your assistance, we will not be able to protect the population,” urged Dr Henry.

According to the parish’s chief public health inspector, Leroy Scott, residents have not been very helpful so far.

“We have to get community members to buy into the whole approach of controlling mosquitoes. Our response can only do so much and no more, we can’t reach every household, premises and community. The mosquito has four stages in its lifetime so what we want to cut off is the breeding so it doesn’t get any further and be able to spread the virus,” he said.

There have been 10 suspected cases of dengue in St Ann since the start of the year. In 2022, the parish had no record of the virus, but there were eight in 2021 and 13 in 2020.

Local officials are concerned as several Caribbean countries have been seeing higher levels of dengue-related illnesses.

“Between January and March of this year, the Americas have had over 340,000 cases of dengue with 86 deaths. Yes, a lot. There are also some places in the Caribbean that are experiencing higher levels than normal: places like Cuba, Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe,” said Henry.

She added that her job is to also prepare the parish so there is not an atmosphere of fear if there is another dengue outbreak in Jamaica like the one in 2018.

“I’m asking for your assistance to sensitise the communities because this is a dreaded illness,” she appealed to the councillors.