Health Authority of Anguilla
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has received 100 insecticide-treated bed nets from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to assist in the Zika response on island. PAHO has made similar donations to other Caribbean countries in response to mosquito-borne infections including Dengue, Chik-V and Zika.
Anguilla confirmed its first case of Zika on June 17th. While there have been no more confirmed cases to date, the bed nets are in line with international recommendations for protection against mosquito bites to prevent the transmission of Zika and other mosquito-borne infections.
Based on scientific consensus that Zika is a cause of neurological birth defects in new-borns, the bed nets will be reserved for pregnant women on the island and distributed through their antenatal care providers in both the public and private sectors.
The Ministry reminds the general public that reducing the risk of further transmission of Zika and other mosquito-borne infections relies mainly on eliminating the mosquito breeding sites and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
Remove stagnant water from your premises; cover water storage containers; ensure cisterns are screened or covered; avoid accumulating solid and bulky waste. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeve shirts and pants or protective clothing when outdoors. Those who sleep during the daytime, particularly young children, the sick or elderly, should use mosquito nets to provide protection. Stay in areas with screens. Mosquito coils or other insecticide vaporizers may also reduce the likelihood of being bitten.
Members of the public are once again urged to utilize the free bulky waste removal service offered by the Environmental Health Unit of the Department of Health Protection. This includes removal of derelict vehicles. For assistance accessing this service please call the Environmental Health Unit at 497 2631 or 497 5485.
These simple measures will go a long way in preventing the spread of the Zika Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
-Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
