Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Sharon Belmar-George, has encouraged the public to take advantage of the advice and information issued during Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week.

Because the region has vulnerable to vector borne diseases, she said, the information disseminated is vital.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week is observed from May 8 – 12, and aims to strengthen the initiatives already in place in the regional member states.

“The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has noted that the region is becoming increasingly susceptible to vector borne diseases both within our communities and within the tourism sector that we depend on,” Dr Belmar-George said. “The Ministry of Health endorses and supports the campaign, and joins the region in increasing the awareness of vector borne diseases to reduce the possible impact of those diseases.”

Environmental Health Officer Charletta Charles encouraged the public to pay increased attention to their surroundings and destroy the breeding grounds of the Aedes aegypti.

“This mosquito is highly domesticated. It lives in and around our households. Therefore, we are asking persons to walk around your home once a week and look for mosquito breeding grounds like drums, containers, and old household appliances like fridges or microwaves. Also pay close attention to damaged septic tanks and clogged roof gutterings.”

Nationally, the Ministry of Health is preparing for the annual Vector Awareness Week in June.