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St. Maarten – The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), is appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain on a daily basis control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises.

Accumulation of rainwater in tires provides breeding space for mosquitoes that carry the dengue/chikungunya-causing virus. According to the CPS, Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever, ‘Get Checked” campaign, is in line with the appeal for residents, and business owners, to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and make them mosquito-free zones.

“The design of tires makes them ideal breeding sites for several species of mosquitoes, some of which are very important vectors of disease.  Since they are easily filled by rain and collect leaf litter, they provide an ideal incubator for mosquito larvae. By taking action, one will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat and the associated disease risks.  When discarding tires, ensure that they cannot hold water by puncturing holes in them or cutting them up into pieces before throwing them away,” CPS officials explained.

Dengue fever and chickungunya is transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

“Even after you have cleaned-up your garage/tire repair shop and surroundings, it is recommended for owners and staff to walk around the place on a weekly basis and after every rain event, to eliminate all possible breeding sites. An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Inform CPS about your challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes/establishments to collectively seek a solution.”

Persons wishing to contact the CPS for more information may do so by calling 542-2078 or 542-3003 or visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services or email at  surveillance@sintmaartengov.org for mosquito prevention measures.