Jamaica Implements Vector Control Programme as Zika Virus Gets Closer

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jun 11 2015 – With the mosquito-borne Zika Virus closer to home, Jamaica has now implemented a five-point integrated vector management control programme that includes prosecuting people who fail to comply with its provisions.

Medical Entomologist in the Ministry of Health Sherine Huntley-Jones made the announcement Wednesday, just a few days after a 12-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic was the first person in the Caribbean to be diagnosed with virus, also known as ZIKV.

She said the programme is aimed at controlling the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the disease.

The five pillars of the programme are: social mobilisation and community participation; inter-sectoral collaboration; capacity building; implementation of vector-control measures; and utilizing legislative measures where necessary.