The Minister of Health and Seniors, the Hon. Jeanne Atherden, CA, CPA, JP, MP, has placed the first of 100 traps designed to kill the species of mosquitoes that could potentially carry Zika virus. The Department of Health’s Vector Control team is placing the In2Care Mosquito Traps around Bermuda.
Bermuda is currently Zika free. In addition, Bermuda does not have the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the most common and most capable carrier of Zika. However, Bermuda has the less capable but potential carrier, Aedes albopictus. The new mosquito traps are designed to specifically attract the Aedes mosquito. The trap offers an ideal spot for female mosquitoes to lay eggs: it is dark and utilizes an odor lure. Once the female mosquito lands in the trap, she is exposed to substances that are lethal to her and to her larvae.
Minister of Health and Seniors, the Hon. Jeanne Atherden CA, CPA, JP, MP said: “We must all do our part to keep Bermuda Zika free. We are fortunate to have a very good Vector Control team but they cannot possibly be everywhere. Check your property and even your workplace. You are not just protecting yourself, you are protecting your family, friends, neighbours and visitors. When you are abroad, please remember to protect yourself from bites so you don’t bring Zika home with you.”
Armell Thomas, the programme manager for Vector Control and Port Health said, “We are aware of the instances of Zika in Miami and there has been some focus on the potential for Zika in Bermuda recently. We want the public to know that we are proactively using new methods like these traps to control Aedes albopictus and other types of mosquitoes. The best way to decrease the possibility of mosquito-borne illness is to get rid of the mosquitoes.”
Mr. Thomas added: “Check your property and eliminate all standing water and call Vector Control for assistance if you are being bitten. While we are working to reduce the risk through these traps and ongoing surveillance of properties, Bermuda is still at risk for Zika. If you take the time to tip standing water, you are doing the right thing.”
Travellers are reminded to see a physician if feeling ill upon returning to Bermuda, especially if travel has been in an area where Zika is circulating. For detailed information on Zika from the Chief Medical Officer and Nurse Epidemiologist, watch the CITV program available at the YouTube link below, and also airing next week on CITV. Information is also available on the Government portal at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=770E9t5fQmY
www.gov.bm/zika-virus-advisory
Photo 1: Close up of mosquito trap.
Photo 2: Programme Manager for Vector Control and Port Health Armell Thomas and Minister of Health and Seniors Jeanne Atherden place the first mosquito trap.
Photo 3: (l-r) Dwaine Swan - District Vector Control Officer, Leroy Stevens - General Forman, Armell Thomas - Programme Manager for Vector Control and Port Health, Minister of Health and Seniors Jeanne Atherden.