With the rainy season approaching, persons are being urged to take proactive steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

This message comes from the Health Ministry which reminds that Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are all transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Pregnant women in particular are urged to take greater precautions due to the harmful effects of the Zika virus – it can cause low birth weight, premature birth and/or fetal abnormalities.

Citizens are advised to reduce mosquito breeding grounds within flower pot saucers, vases, tyres, buckets, barrels, plastic drums and water storage containers.

Guttering and drains should be regularly cleaned, removed, turned over or treated as applicable.

Other vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children are also advised to utilise personal protective strategies such as:

• Wearing long sleeved, loose-fitting and light coloured clothing when possible
• Applying mosquito repellant with the active ingredient DEET
• Utilising bed nets when appropriate. (The Aedes Aegypti mosquito generally bites between dusk to dawn hours – 6am to 6pm)

Citizens can contact the Insect Vector Control Division (IVCD) for vector control measures – 612-4823 ext. 5456/5402.