Saint Lucia Ministry of Health maintains active disease surveillance

Saint Lucia: For the month of August, Saint Lucia has recorded three cases of dengue fever, with a total of 13 cases recorded for the year 2022. As such, the Ministry of Health continues to maintain active disease surveillance and is encouraging persons to remain vigilant against contracting vector-borne diseases.

Environmental Health Officer for Vector Control, Charletta Charles-Leon, said although this isn’t an unusual occurrence during the rainy season, the public is advised to implement best practices for vector control.

“Weekly inspections must be perfomed in and around your house for mosquito breeding sites,” she said. “Remove all water-holding containers and stagnant water around the house to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Also, ensure that the water tanks and other water storage containers are securely covered with tight-fitting lids/materials so that mosquitoes cannot access them.”

The Ministry of Health has further advised the public to repair damaged septic tanks and ensure they are air and water tight; install screens on windows, doors and vents; regularly clean roof gutters and drains so water runs freely; change the water in pet drinking bowls and flower vases at least once every other day, and scrub the sides of all water-filled containers to remove any eggs stuck to the side.

Insect repellents must be used when inside or outside the house and are also recommended to prevent mosquito bites. The general public is asked to visit the wellness of the community if they experience any symptoms or signs of dengue fever.