Port of Spain, June 17, 2024: On Friday 14th February, 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH) hosted a retraining session with the County Medical Officers of Health and Senior Public Health Inspectors as part of its ongoing efforts towards strengthening its mosquito source reduction campaign.
The public is reminded that regulation 27 of the Yellow Fever Regulations, 1979 (made pursuant to Section 105 of the Public Health Ordinance, Chap. 12 No. 4) and as amended by the Public Health (Yellow Fever) (Amendment) Regulations, 2016, provides; "A person who contravenes the provisions of these Regulations is liable to a fine of three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500.00) or to imprisonment for six (6) months."
The Ministry of Health wishes to remind citizens that the best means of reducing the incidence of mosquito borne diseases is through the elimination of the breeding sites of the Aedes species mosquito. The public is urged to:
1. Dispose of all unwanted articles, derelict vehicles or appliances in the yard or environs which can collect water and become mosquito breeding grounds.
2. Cover water containers such as tanks, barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito proof covering.
3. Cut down and remove all bush or undergrowth that can harbour mosquitoes.
4. Clean drains and guttering to allow for the free flow of water.
5. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent, when appropriate as a means of personal protection.
Signs and symptoms of Dengue Fever:
Dengue Fever may be spread by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms appear within 5-6 days of being bitten, last for 1-2 weeks and can include:
• Fever
• Headaches (sometimes severe)
• Pain behind eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Skin rash
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Anyone showing signs or symptoms of Dengue Fever should seek immediate medical treatment at their doctor or the nearest Health Facility. Members of the public wishing to contact the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD) for further assistance can call 612-4823 ext. 5456/5402 or email ivcd.complaints@health.gov.tt.
