Reducing Mosquito-Borne diseases requires community action.

While some see this as a blessing, it can also pose a public health threat if the community does not work together to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.

Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. The more water accumulates around homes after rain, the more opportunities mosquitoes have to breed within 5-8 days. By tackling the issue from the ground up, we can reduce the likelihood that Aruba will see a rise in dengue cases. It involves reducing or stopping mosquito breeding.

We can achieve this by:

• Disposing of or storing away all objects that can unnecessarily retain water inside and around homes, schools, and workplaces. Examples include plant saucers, tires, outdoor toys, vases with plants or flowers, etc.
• Cover all water that serves a purpose, like watering plants or feeding animals. Examples include trays under air conditioners or barrels with rainwater.
• Being extra vigilant about water intended for plants or pets, such as vases, pet water bowls, ponds with lilies, etc.

The Department of Public Health (DVG), through its GKMB section, assists in this process by inspecting public areas, visiting homes with positive cases of mosquito-borne diseases, and providing information in neighborhoods during the day. However, the GKMB section cannot see every home across Aruba, so it remains the responsibility of each homeowner to keep their space free of standing water.

For several years, the GKMB section has implemented policies to care for and protect our flora and fauna and no longer sprays neighborhoods with pesticides, except in areas with positive cases of mosquito-borne diseases.

For more information, like our Facebook page, Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba, Follow us on Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, Visit our website www.dvg.aw, Call us at 5224200 or email us at servicio@dvg.aw.