Press Release

Ministry of Health & Social Development
Environmental Health
Release Date:
Thursday, 9 April 2015 - 3:15pm

The Environmental Health Division is asking the public to continue its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding to prevent future outbreaks of Dengue Fever and the Chikungunya Virus.

Mr. Carnel Smith, Chief Environmental Health Officer, explained that while the Territory has only been receiving intermittent rain fall, it is still possible for mosquitoes to deposit their eggs in dry containers which would become breeding sites when flooded with water.

“We are asking the public for their assistance in reducing the risk of future outbreaks of Dengue and Chikungunya by remaining vigilant. We want you to continuously inspect your premises for mosquito breeding sites,” Mr. Smith said. 

General clean-up should include the removal of all receptacles that can become breeding sites, such as old tires, discarded buckets, pots or pet feeding dishes, abandoned and derelict boats and vehicles. Water tanks, wells, buckets and boats, need to be properly covered, as these are also potential breeding sites.

If mosquito infestation is detected, and the source is unclear the Environmental Health Division should be contacted immediately for assistance.

According to Mr. Smith, a sanitary environment keeps us healthy. Therefore, as a community we must continue to remain vigilant and do our part to reduce mosquito breeding and the spread of vector borne diseases.

    The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact the health of the population are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and well-being.

Author

Natasha Lettsome-Humphrey

Public Health Communications Specialist
Ministry of Health/Social Development
Telephone: 468-2286
Email: 
nlettsome@gov.vg