Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is urging residents to take urgent precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, especially dengue fever, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
With heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across the parish, health authorities expect a spike in the mosquito population in the coming days and weeks.
“Eliminate Standing Water,” Belnavis Warns
Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Belnavis emphasized that small pools of stagnant water—often found in backyards and household containers—create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“Eliminate standing water in containers, gutters, tyres, buckets, and any debris in the yards. Mosquitoes breed in even very small amounts of water,”
he said.
He also reminded residents storing water to ensure containers are properly secured.
“Store water in clean, tightly covered containers. Ensure lids are secure and add screens or netting to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the stored water. Do not leave containers uncovered, and regularly empty and rinse them to prevent stagnation,”
he advised.
Public Education Campaign Coming
Mr. Belnavis confirmed that the St. Ann Municipal Corporation will partner with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to launch a comprehensive public education campaign.
The initiative will focus on:
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school visits,
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community workshops,
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informational materials,
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and coordinated messaging through local media.
Know the Symptoms
Dengue fever is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Symptoms include:
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high fever,
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severe headache,
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joint and muscle pain,
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eye pain,
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and in severe cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, both of which can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Health officials continue to stress:
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eliminating standing water,
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proper waste disposal,
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using repellents,
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wearing protective clothing,
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and reporting stagnant water sources to authorities.
Community Cooperation Needed
Residents are urged to report abandoned lots, blocked drains, or persistent stagnant water to local health departments so immediate action can be taken.
Mr. Belnavis reinforced the message:
“Together, we can protect our families and our communities. Proper water storage and diligent mosquito control are simple, critical steps in preventing dengue.”
Officials encourage the public to monitor local advisories, follow updates from the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, and stay tuned to Ministry of Health communications for further guidance.
