Efforts to prevent dengue outbreak intensified

In response to the onset of the rainy season the Ministry of Health
has intensified its Insect Vector Control activities throughout the country and advises the population to join in its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

The Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector Control Division conducted inspection exercises in all counties within Trinidad and Tobago, including identified flooded areas. The following activities are being undertaken and will continue until the flooding situation is alleviated:

- Inspection of affected premises

- Treatment of premises with a BIOCIDE - antibacterial, antifungal

- Oiling of stagnant water bodies

- Dengue health education via loud speakers and flyers to residents of the affected areas

- Notices were sent to Regional Corporations and Works Departments for the clearing of drains and

- Continued collaboration and coordination with County Medical Officers of Health and Public Health

- The Ministry of Health is ramping up its Dengue Prevention Programme. This programme is annual, commences in January of each year and undertakes a multi-prong approach to the eradication of the Dengue-spreading Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Some of the core activities of this programme are:

- Inspection of premises, government buildings, drains and high risk areas nationwide in 6-8 week

- Spraying of homes where there are probable cases of Dengue Fever. This involves the use of insecticides on the walls and fogging around the buildings, as well as the use of spraying from the road via the ultra low volume (ULV) machine

- Applying a larvicidal to kill mosquito larvae in water stored in barrels for drinking

- Collaboration with the Regional Corporations for clean up orders and notices, as well as clean up campaigns for the removal of all discarded materials and containers that are liable to hold water

- Increased surveillance of ports of entry for imported cases of dengue- Intersectoral collaboration for the sampling of mosquitoes and dead monkeys

- Community health education via lectures, seminars and leaflets issued in schools, village councils, youth groups and other community groups

- Recruitment and continued staff training.


Citizen Advisory


The public is reminded that Dengue Fever is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito. To prevent the spread of this disease, the public is advised to practice source reduction through:

- Disposal of all unwanted containers in the yard or environs which when exposed to the rain can collect water e.g. styrotex cups, bottles, old tyres;

- Covering of all water-containing containers such as barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito - proof covering;

- Checking your guttering and making sure that the water flows freely without any obstruction by leaves or branches, and guttering is free from any kinks;

- Emptying the pan under the refrigerator which can collect water;

- Emptying and scrubbing the sides of water vases or using dirt or sand instead to support the flowers;

- Ensuring that the drains in your compound allow the free flow of water.

- If you feel that you need assistance in cleaning your community, then please contact your Local Government Authority. If there is a mosquito infestation, please call Insect Vector Control at 663 2281 or email the Ministry at corpcomm@health.gov.tt.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREDITS:

- Story by Ministry of Health

- Photo by Marcos Teixeira de Freitas