Time to eradicate dengue

THE EDITOR: The wet season is here, but not yet in full fury. Mosquitoes are busy in search of stagnant pools and human victims. They invade the households nearest to their breeding water in large numbers. We must all take the necessary precautions if we live near their haunts.

We all know they are dangerous carriers of contagious diseases. There were many victims of dengue fever in Chaguanas. Unfortunately, due to the lack of statistics, I do not know the number of people affected. However, it was clear that the hospitals were kept busy. Recently the Mayor complained about the danger of flood damage in the low-lying areas of Chaguanas and its suburbs. This emp-hasises the fact that we need to embark upon an eradication campaign. Years ago, before Chaguanas became a borough, the Caroni County Council was very vigilant in its fight against insects and other pests. The environment was frequently checked with a view to eliminating stagnant water. Pools of stagnant water were poisoned and family houses were sprayed with mosquito repellent.

Today, I find that the Borough has been lax in its quest for better public health. More attention should be paid to lazy drains and canals in order to lessen the danger of infestations. I think it is urgently necessary to re-introduce the spraying of houses. Gangs should also be dispatched to ensure that all breeding places are destroyed or controlled. Trinidad is relatively safe from malaria and yellow fever. Dengue fever must be added to this list. I do not believe that dengue is difficult to control, judging from the habits of its host, chief among which is the preference for clean water to lay its eggs. All water vessels must be kept covered. Dengue fever is a fatal disease and the country should expand as much resources as possible, financial and otherwise, to eradicate the peril. Don’t you agree?

SALER AMEERALI
Chaguanas