Washington, DC, May 10, 2024 (PAHO) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) calls on Caribbean countries and territories to join forces during Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2024, which will take place from May 6 to May 12. The week is to launch regional efforts to prevent and control dengue, chikungunya and Zika, diseases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Under the motto “United for health”, the Week seeks to raise awareness about the threat posed by these diseases. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people affected in the region. So far this year, more than 6.5 million cases of dengue have been reported in the Americas, three times more than during the same period in 2023. In the English-, Dutch- and French-speaking Caribbean, cases have already been reported. more than 25,000 cases. exceeding half of what was reported in the entire previous year.
“Dengue is a disease that can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time, and this year we are seeing a worrying increase in the region,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an opportunity for us all to work together to eliminate breeding sites, stop the spread of these diseases and protect our communities, especially before and during the rainy season,” he added.
He Aedes aegypti The mosquito lives in and around houses and reproduces in any container or object that accumulates water. The mosquito can transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika, diseases that can cause fever, joint pain, skin rashes and, in severe cases, even death.
Several environmental and social factors contribute to the spread of the mosquito, including rising temperatures, the presence of trash and containers that serve as breeding grounds, as well as weather events.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2024 is an opportunity to organize, inform and participate in clean-up sessions in homes and public spaces such as streets, parks, schools, cemeteries, health centers, hospitals and other places where large numbers congregate. of people. This helps prevent the accumulation of containers with water that could serve as a breeding ground.
In addition to eliminating breeding sites, PAHO recommends taking measures to protect against bites, such as using repellent on exposed skin, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, installing mosquito nets on windows and doors, and seeking early medical attention for symptoms. of dengue. , chikungunya or zika.
PAHO works with countries and territories in the Americas to improve surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of mosquito-borne diseases, while working to strengthen prevention and control measures against dengue, chikungunya and Zika. among others.
