The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation’s Environmental Health and Disease Prevention (CHCC-EHDP) is encouraging the community to take proactive measures to reduce the local mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, especially during the rainy season. Dengue is a viral disease primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dengue is a common global disease with outbreaks reported in regions including the Caribbean, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands. The most effective way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites.
To minimize the risk of mosquito bites, CHCC-EHDP recommends the following preventive measures:
Wear Protective Clothing:
- Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing during outdoor activities, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- When possible, wear long sleeves and pants.
Use Mosquito Repellents:
Apply mosquito repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
Eliminate Breeding Sites:
- Clean up debris that can hold water.
- Properly dispose of loose tires.
- Regularly clean pet water dishes.
- Ensure containers used to store water are screened or covered.
- Clear roof gutters of debris.
- Dispose of bottles, cans, buckets, and other containers that can collect water.
- Plug tree holes.
- Repair leaky outdoor faucets to prevent standing water.
- Frequently change the water in flower vases and other containers that hold water.
CHCC-EHDP conducts routine surveillance of the adult mosquito population to identify disease-carrying species, monitor mosquito abundance, and determine intervention needs. They also respond to complaints about excessive mosquito breeding sites resulting from improper waste disposal.
By following these guidelines, the community can significantly reduce the mosquito population and help prevent the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.