The Jamaica Association of Public Health Inspectors says it has ramped up efforts to prevent an increase in mosquito breeding sites across the island.
This follows the passage of Hurricane Beryl over a week ago.
President of the Association, Michael Myles, spoke with Nationwide News Monday afternoon.
Daina Davy reports.
Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the Health and Wellness Ministry, along with public health inspectors, warned Jamaicans to expect an increase in the breeding of mosquitoes.
They note that the public should be particularly wary of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the dengue virus.
According to the Ministry’s last dengue update in April, the country recorded more than 11,000 cases island wide.
That figure is expected to rise as the rainy season progresses.
Mr. Myles explained that water-logged areas across the island are providing added breeding sites for mosquitoes.
There’s been a raft of complaints to Nationwide News about a surge in mosquitoes across the country since the passage of the storm.
Members of the public have been advised to take action in their homes to reduce contact with mosquitoes, which can breed in any contained environment which holds water.
However, the JAPHI President says health inspectors have encountered resistance to their pleas.
He added that fogging activities are also being done during peak breeding hours.
Meanwhile, Mr. Myles says additional resources will be employed to help with vector control activities across the island.
Mr. Myles is imploring the public to take active measures in reducing the population of home-based mosquito breeding sites.
Michael Myles, President of JAPHI.
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