WITH THE RAMPANT spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya and more recently Zika, it is important that all Barbadians play their part in keeping their surroundings clean.
There is mounting concern about the Zika virus, especially by pregnant women, and rightfully so.
Just two days ago the Ministry of Health confirmed that three pregnant women in Barbados had tested positive for the virus, among seven cases overall.
While we do not want to cause a panic, a point made recently by Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George, there is still a need for concern.
We understand the worry pregnant women must be carrying as current information from Brazil suggests that they are at risk involved in getting the Zika virus at any trimester in their pregnancy.
Officials are, however, stating that there is not enough information about the link between Zika and babies born with abnormalities.
This, however, is not an issue to be tackled by pregnant women alone.
This is one that must be fought at every level and by every single citizen.
For too long there have been reports about senseless dumping, creating eyesores for both tourists and locals. Still, the dumping continues.
There is no getting away from the fact that the Ministry of Health has a lead role in fighting this social scourge.
But the fight is not theirs alone.
Yes, the ministry needs to ensure that Government-owned lands are properly cleared of overgrown bush. Officials have already outlined plans to intensify fogging, which will be expanded to include some of the more troubled areas. There are also plans to involve churches, community groups and hotels as they launch an assault on mosquito-borne viruses.
The ministry must be lauded for the efforts to deal with tyre dealers, coconut vendors and plant nursery operators who will be specially monitored by health experts.
Householders must also join the effort and consistently check around their properties to ensure they are not breeding grounds for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
There must be an all-out attack to deal with this problem – now rather than later.
We will hope and pray that the other results of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency are returned negative, and that pregnant women will continue to take every precaution to protect themselves and their unborn babies from this virus.
In the meantime, we must all step up our vigilance and individual clean-up efforts to tackle all possible health hazards that could result from a dirty environment.
