The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to remain vigilant during the Eid holidays, warning of a surge in chikungunya cases in some neighboring countries.
The HPA said chikungunya, a mosquito-borne illness, is spreading rapidly in some nearby countries, and travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. As such, the HPA has advised people to use mosquito repellent lotion or spray to protect themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors.
The HPA also advised people to wear clothing that covers their bodies as much as possible when going out to avoid mosquito bites. It further recommended using mosquito nets on windows, and ensuring that doors and windows are kept closed during peak mosquito hours.
In addition, the HPA has advised people to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by clearing stagnant water from open containers, tanks, etc. It further advised to dispose of empty bottles and cans, in public places, roadsides and construction sites and to use larvicides such as Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) or Temefos in areas prone to water collection to kill mosquito eggs and larvae. All types of mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
Noting that mosquitoes tend to breed in clean, stagnant water, HPA noted that the Aedes mosquito eggs can remain and hatch even after stagnant water is drained from containers. Therefore, the HPA advises the public to destroy mosquito breeding grounds consistent to control the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.