The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning of the possibility of a severe dengue season in 2018 during Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2018. This is because the pre-conditions of abundant mosquito vector levels still exist, and increased levels of dengue are being reported in Latin America and elsewhere.
“Although dengue is not new to the Region, we need to gear up for the possibility of a severe outbreak. This virus has been increasing in frequency over the past 30 years. Reports from Latin America elsewhere show markedly increased dengue in recent months, so we in the Caribbean can expect it will soon be here,” CARPHA Executive Director, Dr C. James Hospedales said.
It is interesting to note that prior to chikungunya and Zika arriving on our shores, that large epidemics of these conditions were reported the preceding years, 2013 and 2015 in the Pacific and La Reunion, and that dengue epidemics are being reported 2017/18 from the Pacific and La Reunion.
Under the slogan “Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites”, Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, 7-13 May, focuses on mosquito borne diseases and risks associated with them.
The measures used for controlling the spread of dengue are the same as those for Zika and chikungunya as these diseases are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes aegypti. As the rainy season approaches mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified.
13 Diseases You Can Get From Mosquitoes
The most effective way to avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites. Research of CARPHA and PAHO/WHO show that drums and tires are the main mosquito breeding sources in our countries.
“We need to clean up our surroundings. The two most important things to manage mosquito populations in our Caribbean countries are to manage water storage drums and tanks, and properly dispose of used vehicle tires to prevent mosquitoes breeding,” stated Dr Hospedales.
Actions that can be taken include covering drums and tanks, checking the guttering, removing stagnant water sources and individuals protecting themselves and their family from bites.
Infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and enlist the help of family, friends and neighbors to destroy breeding sites.
