THE Vector Control Service (VCS) of the Health Ministry hosted a malaria smear fogging demonstration last Friday at Square of Revolution in Georgetown.On that occasion, the media were encouraged to enhance sensitisation of the public on the activities that are, presently, being conducted.

The VCS said it will commence the exercise in selected communities with a lot of focus on the capital City, Georgetown, targeting wards including Charlestown, Werk-en-Rust, Newburg, Wortmanville, Kitty, Ogle, Queenstown, and Sophia, from 17:30 hrs daily, with the aim of eradicating adult mosquitoes.

VCS Director, Dr. Reyaud Rahaman, said residents should open their doors and windows, to allow the fog mist into their homes.
He advised that the smoke from the fogging machines is not hazardous to human health and so persons should not be alarmed.
Rahaman said, too, that all other pets, except birds, should be kept covered during this operation but no date for the commencement has been given.
But people should cover their drinking water and secure all fruits, vegetables and food, both cooked and uncooked, to prevent possible contamination.
He also said individuals suffering from asthmatic conditions should avoid direct contact with the fog mist.
Rahaman said, while malaria may be one of the leading vector borne diseases, there are many others, some of which may be fatal. These include Chikungunya, Dengue, Lymphatic Filariasis, Leishmaniasis and Chagas among many others.
Chikungunya is one of the more worrisome, and Rahaman said this fogging mostly targets that disease and malaria because they have similar symptoms and are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, also attended the demonstration.