As part of its vector control activities, the Ministry of Health has developed a House Inspection Card. Vector control workers will use the cards as a tool to assess homes and identify mosquito breeding sites islandwide. Following the assessment, the vector control workers will make recommendations to be taken in order to reduce these breeding sites on the card. The cards will also highlight if the premises is high, medium or low risk for mosquito borne diseases such as Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue.
Vector Control workers will begin using these House Inspection Cards in September 2016. This intervention forms part of the Ministry of Health’s drive to reduce mosquito breeding sites which will reduce the risk of these mosquito borne diseases, especially Zika. Minister of Health Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton said “these cards will help to encourage persons to take individual responsibility in reducing the risk of transmission of mosquito borne diseases by getting rid of these mosquito breeding sites.”
Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same carrier of the Chikungunya and Dengue viruses. An increase in mosquito breeding sites increases the risk of transmission of these mosquito borne diseases. The Ministry of Health is urging persons to actively search for and destroy potential mosquito breeding sites in and around homes, schools, workplaces and churches. Persons are also being reminded to avoid being bitten by mosquitos by using repellant with DEET or other active ingredients approved by the Pesticides Control Authority; bed nets and mesh at doors and windows; and wearing long sleeved light coloured clothing.
Individuals who wish to obtain more information may call the Ministry of Health or the nearest health centre. Persons may also visit our website at moh.gov.jm and like and follow us on www.facebook.com/themohgovjm;https://twitter.com/themohgovjm; https://instagram.com/themohgovjm.