Caution Should Be Paid To The Impending Threat Of The Chikungunya Illness

Vincentians are being urged to take a proactive approach in reducing the mosquito population in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in light of the impending threat of the Chikungunya illness.

Chikungunya is a viral illness transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito, with symptoms including fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle or joint pain.

The Vector Control Unit in the Ministry of Health has been stepping up its efforts to reduce the mosquito population here, as concerns continue to grow about the Chikungunya illness, which is affecting the region.

Speaking on NBC’s Views On Issues program, Acting Supervisor of the Vector Control Program, Todd Lewis, said it is the responsibility of every individual to destroy mosquito breeding sites.

Mr. Lewis said personnel from the Vector Control Unit will be in the various communities to assist persons in becoming more compliant.