Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to take action against mosquito-borne diseases as the Territory observes Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week from May 12 to16.

Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Mrs. Shamelle Thomas said the Environmental Health Division will be observing the week under the theme: "Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction."

Mrs. Thomas said that this year’s campaign focuses on empowering communities to take action against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. “The message is clear: while the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health,” she said.

Residents are urged to eliminate standing water in and around their homes, as it only takes a small amount of water for mosquitoes to breed. Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities.

Mrs. Thomas explained that over the years, there has been inconsistent community participation in source reduction.  “Persons are not maintaining their property and keeping it free of litter and stagnant water. The intermittent water supply is also a contributor to the issue because of the improper management of stored water.  We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the Government’s responsibility, but rather a shared community effort,”   the Acting Deputy Chief said.

The public is encouraged to take action to reduce mosquito breeding and protect the health of the community by inspecting and cleaning water containers weekly, properly disposing of waste that can collect water, using  screens on windows and doors and wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellents when necessary.

The division will be hosting an art and poetry competition for students to observe Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week in addition to the hosting of a series of public outreach activities, school visits, and an expo to encourage behavior change.

The mission of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week is to raise awareness of the connection between mosquitoes and the diseases that they transmit like Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and Zika.