Hurricane season could be the start of a public health threat.

This season is known to bring local rain, which is a blessing for our flora and fauna but can also be the start of a public health threat if we as a population are not aware and do not work together to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

As is well known, mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs. The more water that remains around the house after a rainstorm, the greater the chance mosquitoes will reproduce within 8-10 days. To minimize the risk of outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever occurring in Aruba, we must tackle the problem at the root. It means that we must reduce or prevent the reproduction of mosquitoes in large numbers. 

We can do this by:

• Throwing away or storing all objects that can hold unnecessary water in and around your home, school, work, and environment. For example, plant saucers, car tires, outdoor toys, and vases with flowers.
• Cover all water for watering plants or drinking bowls for animals. For example, buckets under air conditioning or a barrel with rainwater.
• Be extra vigilant about water for watering plants, vases with plants or flowers, drinking troughs for animals, and ponds with lilies.

The second (2) step is to protect yourself from dengue. You can do this by

• Wearing long sleeves and pants from afternoon to evening;
• Apply mosquito repellent to uncovered skin;
• Light a match outside or use candles against mosquitoes;
• Close doors and windows before dark or use screens;
• Avoid visiting areas where you know there are many mosquitoes;
• Spray your home, bedroom, office, and spaces you visit regularly with mosquito repellent.

The third (3) step is to protect others around you when you have dengue or are showing symptoms of dengue. You do this by preventing yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes. 

Symptoms of dengue include:

• Fever;
• Headache;
• Stomach complaints and vomiting;
• Bone, joint, and muscle pain;
• Eye pain;
• Skin rash.

If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor for examination and advice on the best treatment.

For more information, like our Facebook page, Directorate Public Health DVG Aruba; follow us on Instagram, directie_volksgezondheid_aruba; visit our website, www.dvg.aw; call us at 5224200; or email us at service@dvg.aw.