Increased Risk of Water- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases across the Country following Hurricane Irma
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/15/2017 (Antigua and Barbuda) - According to local sources on Thursday, 14 September, areas severely hit by Hurricane Irma across the archipelago, may witness a significant increase in the mosquito population and experience a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus. Mosquito populations may rapidly grow following the hurricane due to standing water sources allowing for increased reproduction. In addition, water-borne diseases such as cholera pose a considerable health risk, more so after a reported shortage of safe drinking water in the area.
Those in the country are advised to drain or cover standing pools of water found in buckets, flower pots, gutters, tires, etc. Travellers can mitigate the risk of mosquito-bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and applying DEET-based mosquito repellent. Clients in the area should only drink bottled or decontaminated water. Keep apprised of the latest advisories issued by health authorities and monitor local sources for further updates.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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