Mosquitoes

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The diseases Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The number of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can increase significantly during the rainy season. Therefore, the likelihood of an outbreak of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika is higher during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall following a storm or hurricane. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika are fever/headache, joint pain, and skin rash.

What can you do before an outbreak

The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in standing water. Therefore, do not give the mosquito a chance to breed in your yard:

  • Check at least once a week for any objects in your yard or home that can collect and hold water.
  • Remove any objects in your yard that can collect rainwater, such as empty bottles, cans, containers, tires, bottle caps, glasses, and bowls.
  • Ensure that no water accumulates in the saucers under plant pots.
  • Cover rain barrels and containers used for collecting rainwater with a cloth or mosquito net. Secure them with an elastic band. If the rain barrel or container is no longer in use, turn it upside down so that no water can enter.
  • Regularly clean the walls of rain barrels and containers using the rough side of a scouring sponge. This will remove mosquito eggs that look like black dots.
  • Clean gutters regularly.

What to do during an outbreak

  • Check at least once a week for any objects in your yard or home that can collect and hold water.
  • Use an anti-mosquito spray or lotion that contains at least 30% DEET.
  • Ensure that mosquitoes cannot enter your house. Keep windows and doors closed. Use mosquito nets and screens for windows and doors.
  • Always sleep under a mosquito net.
  • Wear light colored clothes, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt or blouse, socks, and closed shoes.

What to do after an outbreak

Follow the advice of the Department of Public Health. The advice and tips are announced through social media and local media.