UPP calls on Ministry of Health to share information locally on cases of dengue, while the DoE says mosquito traps are on sale
The United Progressive Party (UPP) is concerned about the lack of
information on cases of dengue fever that reportedly have been
confirmed in Antigua and Barbuda.
Last week, a Loop News report indicated that there were about 20
cases of dengue here and that the acting chief medical officer, Dr.
Teri-Ann Joseph, had reassured the public there is no need for alarm.
However, D.Gisele Isaac, chairman of the UPP, is asking why no
statement on the matter has been made locally, so that residents are
kept abreast of what is taking place.
Further, she is wondering whether the Ministry of Health is trying to
“manage” the situation and make it more palatable before delivering
a public statement.
According to Isaac, the UPP is not happy about the lack of
communication from Ministry of Health officials concerning what
can be a deadly disease.
In the meantime, Loop News reports Joseph as saying that an
increase in dengue cases is common during the rainy season, since
this time of year fosters a favourable environment for the Aedes
Aegypti mosquito, which is responsible for dengue transmission.
Typically, she says, 10 to 20 dengue cases are seen between
September and November, with 15 to 20 considered an alert stage.
In response, Health officials reportedly have adopted proactive
measures, including home inspections, fogging, educational
materials, and increased testing, with the aim of preventing an
epidemic.
However, critics claim that no fogging efforts are being carried out.
And they are challenging the Central Board of Health to say in which
communities such exercises have taken place – particularly since
Tropical Storm Philippe dumped copious amounts of rain on the
country.
On the other hand, after distributing over 8,000 mosquito traps to
government workers, community groups, and various institutions,
the Department of the Environment (DOE) is promoting another
community-led initiative: affordable mosquito traps for a “Climate-
Ready Antigua and Barbuda.”
The DoE – a department within the Ministry of Health – says the
initiative will provide these traps to the public, as part of its
commitment to preparing communities for the challenges of climate
change.
“These innovative traps … will not only help reduce mosquito
populations, but also the proceeds of the sale will contribute to
building climate resilience within local communities,” a statement
from the Department says.
Participating community groups reportedly will make the mosquito
traps accessible to everyone. The business community is urged to
support this initiative by purchasing the devices and distributing
them among their employees.
The mosquito traps and glue pads are available for purchase at a
number of venues, including the 11th Hour Daycare; the Gilbert
Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Centre; the Old Road
Primary School; the Victory Centre; the Church of God of Prophecy;
and the St. Andrews Anglican Church.
