Clarendon mosquito eradication team increased

The Government has added 121 temporary vector-control workers and engaged four private contractors to boost the mosquito eradication team in Clarendon.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said it has been an extraordinary time for the breeding of mosquitoes since the passage of Hurricane Beryl, with increased water and mosquito eggs hatching. Tufton, who was in the Rocky Point community to observe fogging and to meet with the response teams last week, pointed out that the temporary workers, 20 permanent staff, four functioning vehicles, 16 handheld foggers, and three ultra-low-volume fogging machines have been assigned to tackle the mosquito problem.

"We have about 13 teams that go out every morning, covering a minimum of 50 communities, and the teams are on full throttle in response to the frustration of the residents," the minister told residents, adding that the Government takes their concerns seriously. He said said that based on reports from scientists, it is going to take another five to six weeks for the mosquito population to diminish. He pointed out that while most of the mosquitoes will not pass on the dengue virus, they are still a nuisance to the residents.

Tufton urged that while the vector teams do their part, the residents must ensure that they keep their surroundings clear of mosquito-breeding sites. Some of the common breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito are drums, tyres, buckets and feeding containers for animals.