Key Role For Households In Dengue Fight

Contact: Rose Marie Harris

Monday, September 03, 2001 – Stepping up public education to make Saint Lucians more aware of how to prevent and control dengue fever, Health Minister, Honourable Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, on Monday emphasized that individual households must assume a front-line role in combatting the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The mosquito, recently spotted on the island, is the vector responsible for spreading the potentially deadly disease which has surfaced in several Caribbean countries within the last few years. There have been some fatalities.

Addressing the nation, Mrs. Flood-Beaubrun said there is a need to find appropriate ways to influence communities to accept responsibility and take the necessary action to prevent and control dengue. She also appealed to the business sector to support community initiatives aimed at averting a dengue outbreak here.

 “As an indication of your commitment to prevent and control dengue fever, I ask that you take the first step and keep all water storage containers properly covered, empty or discard all containers that may collect water  around the house; dispose of garbage properly and use soil instead of water in vases,” she urged households.  

“You may also wish to reduce the possibility of mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets and other screens. Use repellents and other insecticides sparingly,” she added.

 “At the community level, collective decisions and actions to maintain clean and safe environments must be sustained.  This is where I invite our corporate partners to be so generous in supporting initiatives that will enable our efforts in averting an epidemic of dengue fever in Saint Lucia,” the minister said.

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Related: Address to the Nation on Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever - September 03, 2001

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