St George’s, Grenada: The Ministry of Health of Grenada has recently shared an update regarding the increasing cases of dengue in the nation. The Ministry has outlined that there are 79 new cases of dengue this week. A 100% increase from the previous week of 39 cases and that’s a big deal because that number can increase further.
It added that the Health Ministry and the government of Grenada are encouraging you to get involved in this campaign. Let’s show the mosquito who is boss by sampling being a part of the “Destroy the Mosquito Breeding Place Challenge.”
Further, it shared the list of the safety precautions one must follow to rid homes and community of mosquito breeding sites:
1. Clean gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc.
7. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
8. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
9. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
10. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
11. Flush livestock water troughs twice a week.
12. Don’t leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
13. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
14. Fix dripping or leaky pipes.
15. Check dishrack drainers.
16. Properly seal broken septic tanks.
17. Check washing machines and turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
18. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
19. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office if one find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present.
20. If ditches do not flow and contain stagnant water for one week or longer, they can produce large numbers of mosquitoes. Immediately report such conditions to Vector Control Department of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs.
While concluding its message, the ministry conveyed, “For more information contact the Vector Control Department of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs or the Environmental Health Officer at your nearest Health Center for additional assistance and advice.”
