The Environmental Health Division’s Vector Teams will begin fogging operations this week to address the high level of mosquito infestation and increase in dengue cases reported in the British Virgin Islands.

Deputy Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander stated that the recent infestation is due to the Territory receiving a substantial amount of rainfall over several weeks which have resulted in the rapid reproduction of adult mosquitoes, causing significant discomfort to residents.

            She explained that the fogging or spraying of adult mosquitoes is called for when the biting population of mosquitoes have reached critical levels.

            Fogging operations will take place in the following communities:

• East End, Greenland on Tuesday, October 6
• Purcell Estate on Wednesday, October 7
• Long Bush, Lower Estate on Thursday, October 8
• Sea Cows Bay on Friday, October 9

Fogging will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on scheduled days until all areas are completed. Residents will be advised when fogging will be conducted in the morning and any cancellation if there is rain or extremely high winds.

Persons with respiratory illnesses, particularly asthmatics are advised to leave the areas being fogged for at least an hour as it can cause discomfort. The public is also reminded that fogging will provide only temporary relief from the mosquitoes as householders and property owners are to remain vigilant in preventing mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water around their homes and businesses by conducting weekly inspections.