EDITORIAL: Mosquitoes – the dreaded pests!

Of all the disease-transmitting animals in the world, mosquitoes are among the most menacing. This is because of their ability to carry and quickly spread diseases to humans, causing illness and death. Mosquitoes-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, without the mosquito itself being affected by the disease. Over the years, more and more countries have been reporting outbreaks of many mosquito-borne illnesses such as Chikungunya, Zika, and Dengue which are all spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The World Health Organization (WHO) in fact reported that nearly 700 million people suffer from diseases spread by mosquitoes, resulting in over 1 million deaths annually. WHO also lists Dengue as the world’s most important mosquito-borne virus with over 20 million cases a year in more than one hundred countries.

In the Caribbean, as in most tropical climates, especially in the rainy season, we know only too well the dangers of these little creatures, and the pain and agony they can inflict on unsuspecting victims. For years the dreaded Dengue fever or ‘breakbone’ fever has wreaked havoc throughout the region. In more recent years Chikungunya has earned its spot in the list of dreaded diseases caused by these little pests. Without sufficient vector control, viruses such as these have evolved rapidly over time posing challenges to both government and public health officials.

While it was reported that last year saw a decline in Dengue and Chikungunya cases over the previous year, it is not time to rest on our laurels as these illnesses are very much alive and still affecting our citizens. While the Ministry of Health has regular fogging programmes, and inspection of high risk areas, the problem of mosquitoes across Barbados still very much persists. Community outreach and education programs play an integral role in identifying and to some extent, addressing the social or economic and cultural issues that can hinder preventative measures; however we must all play our part if we are to tackle this problem effectively.

There are a number of methods that an individual should use to protect themselves from mosquito bites. This includes spraying of insecticides indoors and limiting ones exposure to mosquitoes by wearing light coloured long sleeves and long pants. Households should also place screens on windows and doors and persons in anticipation of mosquito contact should spray themselves with an insect repellant containing DEET.

In addition, householders and property owners should be reminded that under the Health Services Control of Mosquitoes Regulations 1970, Cap. 44, they may be prosecuted if found to breeding mosquitoes on their premises. With this in mind, households should remember to cover all water receptacles, both indoors and outdoors including water storage tanks used for irrigation and other purposes. Debris and tyres should be removed and drains and gutters should be cleared.

Barbadians please continue to act responsibly and destroy environments where mosquitoes breed and step up your vigilance and clean up efforts to eradicate this dangerous pest from our environment.