LaTonya Linton, Gleaner Writer
THE REGIONAL Health Authorities have intensified their vector control programmes due to the increase in rainfall affecting the island over the past 10 days.
Peter Knight, director of the Environment Unit in the Ministry of Health, says both adulticidal and larvaecidal programmes have been increased to kill the larvae and adult mosquitoes, which would have boosted breeding as a result of the heavy rainfall that accompanied hurricanes Dennis and Emily.
Mr. Knight said fogging in public places has already been increased in order to destroy the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and other pests in the wake of the hurricanes.
"Normally we would advise the public where fogging would take place, but the public should expect that fogging would be increased", Mr. Knight told The Gleaner.
INSECTICIDES
He said insecticides such as Melathion and Temephos (ABATE) would be used to control and eradicate both adult and young mosquitoes.
Mr. Knight also said oiling of drains and other areas that store water would also be done in an effort to control the growth of larvae.
Biological agents such as 'Ticky Ticky' fish are also used to eat the larvae of the mosquitoes.
Mr. Knight said the presence of flies and rats would increase as a result of dead animals and the pile-up of garbage.
He added that sewage treatment ponds should be 'washed' to prevent the breeding of flies.
