TCIG Press Release, Turks & Caicos, 05 Oct 2014 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services is continuing efforts to prevent further spread of dengue and chikungunya through public education and enhanced vector control activities throughout the TCI.
To protect yourself and your family, the Ministry advises you to take the following precautions:
Use air conditioning or window/door screens
Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
Properly dispose of any old tires since they can breed thousands of mosquitoes
Clear roof gutters of debris
Clean pet water/food dishes regularly
Monitor and empty children’s toys left out in the yard which may accumulate water
Repair leaky outdoor faucets
Canoes and boats should be turned over or covered
Avoid water collecting on pool covers
Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on piles of wood
Plug tree holes
Cover water drums
Flower pots/vases, bottles, barrels, buckets, open cesspits, tanks, overturned garbage can lids can collect water and thus breed mosquitoes.
If you are sick with chikungunya or dengue, avoiding mosquito bites will help prevent further spread of the virus.
To treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around your property call the Environmental Health Department at 649-338-2801.
ENDS
