Risky Aedes Aegypti mosquitos under control

Friday,  December 10, 2004

A campaign by the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) to control the annoying, and potentially risky, Aedes Aegypti mosquito has been effective. 

Currently the count for Aedes Aegypti is low, under 20 positive samples per week, and success is credited to a combination of control efforts and cool and dry weather conditions unfavourable for breeding. With the resumption of night-time flying, the prognosis looks even better.

MRCU had registered concern when data gathered through sampling in affected areas had indicated a count of 120 positive samples of Aedes Aegypti between 18 - 22 October. 

Assistant Director of Research and Development, Dr Alan Wheeler, and Research Manager Fraser Allen, launched a campaign deploying ground teams to investigate yards, destroy breeding areas and disperse larvicide. Teams were sent out using fogging trucks to spray in problem areas and these efforts successfully reduced the count.

Aedes Aegypti is most active in the late afternoon and as it is a possible carrier of dengue fever, there was concern that a potential health hazard could arise. To date, no cases have been found on the Island though.

Members of the public are asked to continue to be sensitive to the potential for mosquito breeding and to assist by disposing of water which could provide potential breeding grounds.

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