PHILIPSBURG--The Health Ministry’s Collective Prevention Services (CPS) spearheaded a multi-disciplinary meeting about the mosquito borne virus Zika on Monday.
The platform will coordinate, monitor and steer actions being taken to combat mosquito-borne diseases. The multi-disciplinary partners include Princess Juliana International Airport SXM, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Public Health Department, Vector Control and a Surveillance Officer.
Topics discussed include a collective marketing strategy; distribution of public information flyers to stakeholders; information in different languages such as Spanish, Creole and Mandarin; public information ads at ports of entry; targeted fogging; distribution of mosquito kits; distribution of information from the Caribbean Public Health Agency to the St. Maarten Hotel and Trade Association (SHTA) and ports of entry, with a follow-up discussion with hotels, taxi drivers and district clean-up parties.
Discussions were also held in preparation of a February 3 meeting with health officials from the Collectivité of French St. Martin.
CPS is appealing to the community to step up measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes and businesses.
Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya are transmitted by the female vector Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.
CPS said residents should destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, unused plastic swimming pools or other containers that collect and hold water.
“Do not allow water to accumulate in the saucers of flowerpots, cemetery urns/vases or in pet dishes for more than two days. Throw out the water and turn them over every time it collects water. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading is realised to prevent drainage problems which can be a source for standing water,” CPS said.
“Empty all construction containers such as blue tanks, buckets, paint cans etc. Mosquitoes can be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened (16-18 mesh). Those insects that do get into structures can be eliminated with a fly swatter or an aerosol space spray containing synergized pyrethrum. Screen off cistern outlets, cover and screen septic tanks properly.”
Information about dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya prevention measures can be obtained by calling CPS at tel. 542-2078 or 542-3003.
