By Dr Karen Cummings (Minister within the Ministry of Public Health)

THE most dangerous animal in the world is the mosquito. Mosquitoes kill an average of about 725,000 people annually. Mosquitoes are extremely dangerous because they carry a plethora of devastating diseases that can be life-threatening or severely fatal to humans.
Diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, zika, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and West Nile virus are all spread by mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism on earth. Therefore, it is imperative that we protect ourselves from the debilitating effects of mosquitoes, by ensuring that we do not inadvertently provide breeding grounds for these pesky insects to thrive and multiply.
The species of mosquitoes that carry dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses are the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The Aedes aegypti mosquito also transmits yellow fever. Malaria is carried by the Anopheles mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes scientifically referred to as vectors
Vector control is the key to controlling mosquitoes. That more than half of the world’s population live in areas where the aforementioned mosquito species are present means that sustained vector control efforts are essential to prevent outbreaks from mosquito-borne diseases.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 (GVCR) provides a revised strategic approach to strengthen vector control worldwide through increased capacity, improved surveillance, better coordination and integrated action across sectors and diseases. It is important to note that Guyana’s vector control strategy is in line with the said global strategy for vector control.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recognises that a coordinated approach to vector control is an important component within its disease control and prevention programme. Furthermore, it is the cornerstone of every effective campaign to control vector-borne diseases in Guyana. Vector control remains the only way to protect our population from these diseases.

Over the years, and with the help of some of our international partners like PAHO/WHO and Global Fund, Guyana has made great strides in addressing the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. However, much work still needs to be done in order to eradicate these diseases in Guyana and prevent their cross-border spread.

There are four basic approaches to vector control. They are: (1) environmental control, (2) personal protection measures, (3) biological control, and (4) chemical control. Through the utilisation of these approaches, the MoPH is able to protect the public’s health by surveying for diseases carried by vectors within given geographic areas.

Reducing people’s exposure to vectors through the employment of national vector control activities like fogging, oiling and facilitating public requests for vector inspections are also strategic interventions being undertaken by the ministry. However, the greatest emphasis is being placed on educating the public about the dangers of mosquitoes to help residents effectively protect themselves from the diseases that these insects carry.

How do you protect yourselves from mosquito-borne diseases?
The rainy season is here, and the possibly of the accumulation of water on and around our environs poses a direct threat to us since this accumulated water provides fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. It is very important to note that the Aedes aegypti, the Aedes albopictus, and the Anopheles mosquitoes breed in stagnant but ‘clean’ water.

Therefore, it is extremely important that you take every precautionary measure to ensure you do not have open receptacles with stagnant water in and around your home and workplaces.
Different species of mosquitoes prefer different types of stagnant water in which to lay their eggs. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish and dragonfly nymphs in drains, trenches, and creeks help keep these bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae.

However, portions of swamps, clogged drains and temporary pools and puddles are all prolific mosquito-breeding sites. Other sites in which some species lay their eggs include tree holes, old tyres, buckets, toys, potted plant trays and saucers, vases with live flowers in water, plastic covers or tarpaulins, and even places as small as bottle caps.
Most of you may know from personal experience that mosquitoes are nearly impossible to avoid, but there are several tried and true ways that individuals can use to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.

Clean-up
The most important action is to remove mosquito-breeding habitats. Most yards contain hundreds of mosquito-breeding sites; many of which are well-hidden. Get rid of, or empty water-filled natural and artificial containers that may provide mosquito egg-laying habitats. Eliminate stagnant water in rain gutters, old tyres, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.

Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats. Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.

Use structural barriers
Ensure you cover all gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering. If you have windows and door screens, make sure they are in good working order. Completely cover baby carriers and beds with mosquito netting, more so, treated mosquito netting.

Use appropriate repellents
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of repellents containing one of three active ingredients: DEET or diethyltoluamide, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. The use of a repellent that contains one of these active ingredients should provide at least 90 minutes of protection with a single application.

Try to avoid getting bitten
Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin. Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.

The MoPH, through its Vector Control Programme, will continue to intensify national efforts to combat vectors and the spread of vector-borne diseases. However, each and every one of us must do our part in protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of mosquitoes. Keeping our environment clean and removing all stagnant water from around our homes and workplaces can play a major role in reducing the spread of mosquitoes in our respective communities.

Remember, mosquitoes account for close to a million deaths every year worldwide. Despite their size, mosquitoes are extremely dangerous. Protect you and your family so that you do not become a statistic.