The Environmental Health Unit will be conducting an island-wide fogging exercise this September to help rid Anguilla of virus carrying mosquitos.
In a press release on Monday, 2 September, it advised residents that the exercise will take place from 5.30pm between 9 and 17 September.
The unit said to cover all potable water, food items and utensils and to “open all windows to allow the fog to pass through your premises to kill any adult mosquitoes present”.
Those who are likely to be impacted by the fog, such as the elderly, the unwell, and those with allergies or asthma, should relocate.
“If any breathing complications arise as a result of the fog, please consult a physician,” the Environmental Health Unit said.
All motorists should observe the strobe lights and be cautious when driving behind the fogging vehicle, as the fog impairs the ability to see ahead.
The Environmental Health Unit also urged the public not to interfere with vector control officers during the fogging exercise.
“We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation while we work together to protect the health of the country by putting these mosquito pests to rest,” the press release said.
Health risk
Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, chikungunya, zika and encephalitis.
Last month, the Ministry of Health said dengue cases are being detected in Anguilla on a sporadic basis, with at least eight since the beginning of this year.
As well as confirmed cases, recently there have been “anecdotal accounts of persons having symptoms compatible with dengue”, it added.
Symptoms of dengue may include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a skin rash.
Some people may develop a severe and life-threatening form of dengue, which can cause bleeding and circulatory shock.
Anyone who develops symptoms of dengue, should contact their healthcare provider immediately, the ministry said.
Tentative fogging schedule
The following dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions or other factors:
Monday, 9 September – West End, Long Bay, Cove Road, Rendezvous, Blowing Point, Cul De Sac
Tuesday 10 September – Lower South Hill, Upper South Hill, Sandy Ground, North Hill
Wednesday, 11 September – Swing High, Water Swamp, Old Ta, George Hill, Statia Valley, Little Harbour, Long Ground, Forest, Corito, and Rey Hill
Thursday, 12 September – Rock Farm, Sachasses, Katouche, Roaches Hill, The Valley, North Valley, South
Valley
Friday, 13 September – North Side, May Pen, Cedar Village, True Eyes, Tackling
Saturday, 14 September – Stoney Ground, Shoal Bay, Little Dix, Cauls Bottom, Wattices and The Quarter
Sunday, 15 September – The Farrington, Long Road, Sandy Hill, Sea Feathers, Church Gate, The Copse, East End, Pond Site, Pond Ground
Monday, 16 September – Bad Cox, Deep Waters, Chalvilles, Welches, The Sea Rocks Island Harbour
Tuesday, 17 September – The Keys, Garlin Bottom, Harbour Ridge, White Hill and Mount Fortune
Protection and prevention
The following measures can help the public to prevent and protect against the spread of mosquito-borne diseases:
At least once a week empty, scrub, turn over or throw out items with standing water in and around the home.
Tightly cover all water storage containers, containers without lids. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Repair cracks in septic tanks and cover open vents or plumbing pipes.
In general, keep surroundings clean. Solid waste that is improperly disposed of, including used tires and neglected old vehicles can become mosquito breeding sites.
Keep mosquitoes out of the home by using screens on windows and doors – repair holes in screens.
Consider using air conditioning when available.
Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin when outdoors in order to prevent mosquito bites.
When the weather permits, use protective clothing such as long sleeves and trousers.
Vector control officers from the Environmental Health Unit conduct free premises inspections to give further assistance or to check for breeding.
Anyone wishing to speak to a vector control officer can call 497 -2631.
