CPS Vector Control Team continues with Small-Scale Community Awareness Project/Mosquito Control program

PHILIPSBURG -- The Collective Prevention Services, a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour, commenced on August 3rd, 2020, with a Small-Scale Community Awareness Project and Mosquito Control program. During the week of August 31 to September 4, the Vector Control Team will be visiting the districts of Ebenezer, Betty's Estate and Weymouth Hill. In the week of September 7-11: Cole Bay, Cay Bay, Cay Hill/Belair, and Indigo Bay; September 14-18: Simpson Bay, Pelican Key, Beacon Hill, Cupecoy and Maho. The other districts not mentioned have already been visited by the team. The amount of rainfall lately has created conditions around the island that would encourage the multiplication of mosquitoes, particularly the species that breed in containers, such as Aedes Aegypti. Mosquito control is considered an essential health service, and CPS Vector Control Team will be out surveying areas while adjusting to the new normal according to current social distancing or COVID-19 safety guidance protocols. CPS Vector Control Officers will be explaining what residents should expect to see from the field crews working in their communities (e.g. Yard inspections, trap checks, etc.). Residents need to cooperate with the team of inspectors to remedy any issues that may arise and are requested to conduct a general cleanup of their premises. The Vector Control Team would like to motivate the public to dispose of any bulky waste, which includes fridges, stoves, furniture, tires, containers because these items can provide potential breeding grounds for mosquitos. Every household must do its part to eliminate Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites. Once again, it is particularly important to check around your yard to make sure there is no standing water after a rainfall event. Please also note that you can contact the vector team at (721) 542- 1122 / (721) 542- 1222 / (721) 542- 1322 / (721) 542- 1540 or email vector-control@sintmaartengov.org with supporting pictures to report a mosquito nuisance or request assistance. Source: sintmaartengov.org