CBH Intensifies Efforts to control the population of the Aedes Egypt

The Central Board of Health (CBH) has intensified its to reduce the population of the Aedes Egypti mosquito which transmits Dengue Fever in response to a warning from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) regarding an increase in cases in the region.

PAHO issued the warning last week of the increase of an upsurge in cases in the Americas including Barbados and the French Islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe.

It says as of March 26th, over 3.5 million cases and more than 1000 deaths have been reported in the region.

Principal Public Health Inspector at CBH Julienne Mannix said the department is aware of the warning and its doing its part for the safety of citizens and residents.

“We are doing our best to educate the public about the dangers posed by the Aedes Egypti Mosquito which is a carrier for Dengue. We have a number of PSA’s on the television and social media. As recent as yesterday Rotaract Antigua would have released three videos in collaboration with CBH to share tips with the public on ways to protect water catchments from mosquito breeding, Mannix said.

She added, “We also educate the public during our house to house visits on a weekly basis.”

The health official also adds that within the Vector Control Unit also continues with its home inspection and fogging exercises in different areas.

“Residents can view the fogging schedule on our Facebook page, it is posted every Monday.”

Mannix is also brushing aside suggestions that the mosquito has built up a resistance to the product that is used. She explained an insect resistance test was conducted last September which shows the product is very much effective.

She is also encouraging members of the public to do their part by eliminating breeding sites in the home.

PAHO said while dengue is on the rise throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, which account for 92 per cent of cases and 87 per cent of deaths.

This increase is attributed to the higher transmission season in the southern hemisphere, when the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector of dengue thrives due to warm and rainy weather.

Several environmental and social factors contribute to the spread of dengue, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the El Niño phenomenon. Rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization also play a crucial role: poor housing conditions and inadequate water and sanitation services create mosquito breeding sites through discarded objects that can collect water.