–Ramsaran

Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran said the mosquito infestation problem in Region Six is now under control after several fogging machines and chemicals had been dispatched to tackle the problem.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, there had been an increase in mosquito infestation following months of intense rainfall. The ministry facilitated training sessions for the fogging operators and after several exercises the infestation was curbed. Ramsaran said he is hopeful that other regions would have the same successes in their fogging exercises. He also urged citizens to cooperate with the ministry, the Regional Democratic Council and the respective municipalities to protect the environment by discarding refuse appropriately.

Additionally, the ministry has employed the expertise of Peruvian vector control specialist Professor Palmira Ventosilla who is working on introducing another alternative to reducing the mosquito population. This new alternative employs the use of coconuts and the Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) bacteria which is able to kill 72 species of mosquito larvae. ”This method is harmless to humans and animals, easy to use, inexpensive and requires community participation,” GINA said.

Currently fogging exercises are ongoing in Region Five.