In acknowledgement of the recent public concern with mosquito diseases the Ministry of Health (MoH) assures the public that through the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD), the Ministry continues its routine activities for the control of mosquito borne diseases.
The public is advised that whenever a confirmed case of mosquito borne disease is identified, the IVCD of the MoH automatically engages its standard operating procedures. In the recent situation of the imported case of malaria, the following multi-pronged approach began immediately:
- Treating Homes: On Monday 27 August 2018, 382 homes were targeted for mosquito control actions. Of these, 332 homes were inspected and treated. This treatment included the use of thermal fogging for adult forms of the mosquito in 110 of these homes, use of Aquatain for killing mosquito larvae and pupae in water containers and the use of Bactivec to kill mosquito larvae in waterways. Aquatain and Bactivec are agents approved by the World Health Organisation for use and are safe for humans and the environment when appropriately applied.
- Surveillance and testing for malaria: As per protocol, on Monday 27th August, 11 persons were tested through the use of blood smears and all 11 have come back negative for malaria. On Tuesday 29th August, 39 persons were also tested for this purpose and the results will be made public as soon as it becomes available. Taking blood smears and examination of these samples under microscope remains the ‘gold standard’ for identifying a case of malaria.
These activities continue today and beyond as they form part of the routine operations of the Ministry of Health in the fight against mosquito borne diseases.
The Ministry of Health assures the residents of Cedros and environs that their health and wellbeing is of paramount importance. All public health measures have been actioned since the case became known on Monday 27 August 18 and all the necessary resources have been allocated to ensure the health and wellbeing of the population.