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Jamaicans are being strongly encouraged to take proactive steps in reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases, which are expected to rise following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The call was made by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, during a press conference held on September 1 at the Health Emergency Operations Centre on Knutsford Boulevard in Kingston. He appealed to members of the public to take several key precautions. These include using mosquito repellents, particularly during early morning and evening hours; eliminating standing water in and around homes; covering all water storage containers; and properly disposing of items that can collect water. Additionally, the Minister urged residents to secure garbage to prevent pest infestation and to report any rodent sightings to local health authorities. Dr. Tufton highlighted the primary factors contributing to the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, and urged members of the public to take the necessary measures to protect themselves. He pointed out that floodwaters have created numerous stagnant pools of water, which serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Minister also noted that containerised water storage remains a significant contributor to mosquito breeding, particularly for the Aedes aegypti species – the primary vector responsible for the transmission of the dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Dr. Tufton explained that accumulated garbage, spoiled food, and animal carcasses are contributing to the rapid spread of flies and rodents in communities affected by the hurricane.
