Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:

The St. Ann Health Department is seeking $600,000 from the parish council to carry out a comprehensive vector-control programme to ensure that the parish remains malaria free.

Since the outbreak of malaria in some sections of the island, there has been some concern regarding a likely threat of the disease in the parish, especially in light of a massive increase in mosquito infestation in recent weeks.

However, Medical Officer of Health for St. Ann, Dr. Patrick Wheatle, said that while the department is aware of the mosquito infestation, none of the insects have been found with the disease.

He noted that since November 13, suspected cases of malaria were reported to the health department and that these were all tested, but all the results came back negative.

No room for complacency

He argued that the absence of malaria in St. Ann at this time could have resulted from the constant cleaning of drains by the parish council, and the ongoing vector-control activities by the health department.

Dr. Wheatle said, however, that there is no room for com-placency, and that the health department needs to be provided with adequate funds to allow it to continue its monitoring and controlling exercises to ensure the safety of residents in the parish. Acting Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Ann, Segree Blake, has appealed to political representatives and residents in the various communities to assist the health department in eliminating the threat of malaria.

Blake said the movement of persons visiting from countries endemic to malaria must be constantly monitored and reported to the department.