The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is urging residents to take immediate action to prevent mosquito breeding following the heavy rainfall experienced on Sunday.
The combination of rainfall, warm temperatures and densely populated areas creates favourable conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to reproduce. This mosquito, commonly found in and around homes, can transmit diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito lays its eggs in stagnant water that collects in everyday items, including buckets, discarded tires, flowerpots, water-storage containers, clogged drains and other objects left outdoors. CPS is therefore calling on households and businesses to inspect their surroundings and remove or empty anything that can hold water.
Dengue fever can cause high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and skin rash. Severe dengue may result in bleeding, organ impairment and other potentially life-threatening complications.
Chikungunya is rarely fatal but can cause high fever and intense joint pain. In some cases, the joint pain may persist for weeks or months, affecting a person’s mobility, daily activities and overall quality of life.
Residents should remain alert for increased mosquito activity following the recent rainfall. CPS emphasizes that eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations and help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Residents are advised to: Inspect their homes, yards and business premises regularly, particularly after rainfall. Empty, turn over, cover or properly dispose of containers that collect water.
Clean roof gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely. Keep water-storage containers securely covered. Properly dispose of old tires and other unwanted items.
Use mosquito repellent according to the product instructions. Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing and long pants where practical.
CPS is calling on the Sint Maarten community to take collective responsibility for protecting public health. Simple actions taken around homes and businesses can significantly reduce mosquito-breeding sites and help prevent the transmission of dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases.
To report mosquito-breeding concerns or request assistance, contact CPS Vector Control at +1 (721) 520-4161, 542-1222, 542-1570 or 914. The team may also be contacted by email at vector-control@sintmaartengov.org.
