Households across the Virgin Islands are reminded to reduce mosquito breeding as the Territory continues to experience high mosquito indices.

Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Natasha Frett said Chikungunya, ZIKA and Dengue Fever are diseases contracted through the bite of an Ades aegypti mosquito and that these mosquitoes are endemic to the British Virgin Islands. “To reduce the spread of these diseases, we have to control mosquito breeding sites,” Dr. Frett said.

The director stated that breeding sites include areas where water is collected such as unattended containers and areas with bulky waste. 

 “To reduce breeding sites, we need to be diligent in inspecting our property and getting rid of areas and containers that may collect water,” Dr. Frett said, adding, “If we work together, we can reduce the number of illnesses caused by the Ades Aegypti mosquito during and after the rainy season.”

The logic is to control mosquito breeding to reduce vector diseases. To this end, we developed educational material for the community so that they will know how to reduce mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes or property,” the director said.

Dr. Frett further added, “If we work together to eliminate mosquito breeding places and avoid mosquito bites, then we will be in a better position to reduce vector borne illnesses.”

Property owners are encouraged to conduct weekly inspections of their property to identify and eliminate all containers that can hold or catch water.  Persons can also dispose of garbage on a regular basis, keep drains open, and ensure that yards are kept clean of trash and bulky waste. 

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client centered healthcare across the Territory.