The Caribbean Epidemiology Centre has confirmed another locally transmitted case of dengue fever in the Cayman islands.

This brings to five the confirmed number of local cases. There have also been three confirmed imported cases of the mosquito-borne disease so far this year.

In an effort to keep Aedes aegypti (the mosquito that carries dengue) under control, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) will continue its additional ground and air operations in West Bay.

Going forward early evening aerial missions will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays as originally scheduled.

MRCU stresses that residents who follow basic guidelines to eliminate breeding grounds around their homes and to prevent bites have minimal cause for concern.

Dengue fever is not passed from person to person.  For transmission to occur the Aedes mosquito must bite the sick patient in the first week of symptoms (after which he becomes non-infectious) and then must survive for a further 8-10 days in order to transmit the disease.  Those insects destroyed during this period are unable to pass on the disease.

The public are advised that the insecticides which MRCU uses are safe and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States.

Any questions or queries should be directed to MRCU on 949-2557, or [email protected] .

Dengue Prevention Guidelines

Aedes aegypti lives and breeds in and around houses.  To avoid their homes becoming breeding grounds, members of the public should take the following precautions:

Drain water from coolers, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets, etc.;

Remove all objects in the yard, e.g. plant saucers, etc. which have water collected in them;

Keep stored water containers covered at all times;

Discard solid waste and objects where water collects, e.g. bottles, tins, tyres, coconut shells etc.

While most mosquitoes bite at dawn or dusk, this mosquito also bites in the day.  Long sleeves, long trousers and mosquito repellent are a precaution against bites.