Reduce Mosquito Breeding After Heavy Rain
The Environmental Health Division is urging BVI residents and property owners to eliminate standing water after heavy or consistent rains to curb mosquito breeding and reduce risk of dengue fever and chikungunya. Officials say simple household actions can dramatically lower mosquito populations and provide contact details for reporting concerns.
The Environmental Health Division (EHD) is urging residents and property owners across the British Virgin Islands to check their surroundings and eliminate sources of standing water following periods of heavy rainfall. Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Ms. Henrietta Alexander reminded the public that preventing mosquito breeding begins at home. "Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases remain a serious public health concern, and prevention begins at the household level.
By taking simple steps after heavy or consistent rains, the community can significantly reduce mosquito populations and disease risk," she said. Mosquitoes can breed rapidly in stagnant water. Even small amounts collected in everyday items can produce hundreds of insects within days, making routine checks essential after showers or sustained wet weather.
The EHD highlighted common breeding sites that should be emptied, covered or discarded: buckets, drums, flower pots, discarded containers, old tyres, tarpaulins and uncovered cisterns. The Division is promoting the Fight the Bite: Prevent and Protect, Day and Night campaign and advises households to take straightforward actions such as: - Turning over or storing unused containers so they cannot collect water - Covering cisterns, water tanks and drums securely - Removing or regularly changing water in plant saucers and bird baths - Properly disposing of old tyres and trash that can hold water - Clearing gutters and drains so water does not pool These measures are low-cost, effective and suitable for homes, businesses, and community spaces.
In addition to individual actions, community-wide clean-ups and neighbour-to-neighbour checks can reduce breeding sites on a larger scale. Residents who notice potential mosquito breeding sites or require more information are asked to contact the Environmental Health Division at (284) 468-5110 or via email at ehd@gov.vg.
Media enquiries can be directed to Natasha Lettsome-Humphrey, Public Health Communications Specialist, at 468-2286 or nlettsome@gov.vg. Reducing mosquito populations protects vulnerable groups, eases pressure on health services, and helps prevent outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya.
The EHD reiterates that simple, routine actions after rain can make a significant difference to public health across the territory.
Primary source: BVI Government