The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging members of the public to take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and work to prevent a dengue outbreak later in the year.

In a statement on Thursday (June 8), the Health Ministry said that as the experiences increased rainfall, the public should expect an increase in the breeding of mosquitos, especially those that carry diseases such as the Aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the dengue virus.

“It is important for members of the public to play their part to prevent a possible increase in the transmission of dengue by searching for and destroying all potential mosquito breeding sites in and around their surrounding,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie.

Members of the public are encouraged to search their surroundings at home and work at least once per week to ensure there is no Aedes aegypti breeding.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito thrives close to humans and typically lays its eggs near standing water in containers that hold water like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.