The Westmoreland Health Department has reported a steady decline in the parish’s Aedes index over the past three months, signalling progress in efforts to reduce the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr Marcia Graham, said the Aedes index—used to measure the percentage of inspected homes and premises where Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding is found—fell from 10.4 per cent in April to 9.6 per cent in May before dropping further to 8.4 per cent at the end of June.
Dr Graham shared the update during the recent monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation.
While welcoming the improvement, she cautioned residents against becoming complacent, noting that favourable conditions for mosquito breeding could quickly reverse the positive trend.
“All it takes is for a shower of rain, new breeding sites to be created and complacency on the part of our fellow citizens for this trend to go back in the wrong direction,” she said.
She urged residents to carry out weekly “search and destroy” activities around their homes, workplaces and places of worship by eliminating containers and other areas where mosquitoes can breed.
Dr Graham also encouraged people to protect themselves by wearing clothing that covers exposed skin, especially during the early morning and evening hours, and by using insect repellents, mosquito nets and window screens.
She said vector-control teams continue to target high-risk communities and locations where suspected mosquito-borne illnesses have been reported.
Meanwhile, Dr Graham disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed four deaths in Westmoreland initially suspected to be linked to dengue or leptospirosis this year were negative for both diseases.
She appealed to residents to continue supporting vector-control efforts as the parish works to remain free of dengue and leptospirosis.
Westmoreland Health Officials Warn of Rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases
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