The met office has recorded an increase in rainfall activity in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. As you are aware, we are currently fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic, hence mitigating the risk of mosquito diseases are of top priority.
The rainfall activity has increased the mosquito breeding sites, which give rise to the proliferation of the Aedes Egypti mosquito, which causes dengue fever and chikungunya.
It is with this context in mind that the Environmental Health Department is requesting the following: –
All residents must remove and discard all mosquito-breeding containers such as cans, bottles, old tyres, etc. from around the household in an approved refuse bin.
All tyre repair shops should dispose of all defective and unwanted tyres to the sanitary landfill to prevent the accumulation of tyres on-site, which can collect and store stagnant water. This contributes to the proliferation of mosquitoes. All tyres for sale must be stored in a dry area.
All residents must clear roof gutters of debris and change the water in animal troughs daily.
Residents must inspect and change the water in vases in and around the house daily to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes.
Residents should report large bodies of stagnant water found in communities to the nearest Health Centre.
Residents are advised to clear empty lots of land and trim thick vegetation.
The Environmental Health Department will be embarking on a vigorous mosquito drive. Fogging/residual spraying, one of the perifocal treatment strategies will be utilized to control mosquito breeding. Residents are asked to support the perifocal team as they drive through the communities by opening all windows and doors to allow the penetration of insecticide, which will inoculate the adult mosquito.
The fogging schedule is as follows:
Area
Conaree
Frigate Bay & Calypso Bay
Date Friday, December 17, 2021, Saturday, December 18, 2021
Time
5:30 pm 6:00 am
Residents sensitive to this insecticide or who have asthmatic conditions are asked to leave the area briefly during the fogging exercise
Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Health
Wednesday, December 15, 2021