hief Health Inspector Lionel Michael said the Aedes aegypti mosquito is causing a significant economic impact on the country.
“Aedes aegypti is of major public health concern, not only public but economic, social and political because it transmit these diseases and they have untold effect on human life,” Michael said.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for spreading yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and now the Zika virus.
Apart from spreading the life-threatening diseases, mosquitoes also cause nuisance problems for residents and ruin outdoor recreational activities. The economic impact mosquitoes caused can be costly for such a tiny little insect.
Residents are being told to brace for the Zika virus which has been confirmed in one unnamed Caribbean country.
Michael said the support of residents is key in controlling the mosquito that spreads Zika.
“What we need to control the mosquito is people’s commitment, involvement and participation of householders because the mosquito is domesticated. It is around and in your house, there is where it breeds … generally and historically speaking, the Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds around the yard or in the house,” Michael said.
The chief health inspector urged residents to use soil or sand for potted plants. If this is not possible, he recommends changing the water twice weekly and scrubbing the containers to remove eggs and larvae.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. (Daily Observer)
