By the
A.M. Costa Rica staff
Specialists in Social Security’s Epidemiology
Department are calling on the public to adopt a
series of preventive measures to reduce the risk of
an increase in cases of diseases transmitted by the
mosquitoes that usually appear during the dry
season.
Dr. Catalina, of Epidemiological Surveillance
Department, said the call arises because of the need
for homes and farms to store large quantities of
water in the face of constant rationing that occurs
in different areas of the country due to result of
high temperatures and a shortage of rainfall.
These drought conditions affect the country for
months in some areas.
Dr. Ramírez point out that "with the purpose of
minimizing the risks of disease transmission, such
as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya during this time,
one of the main measures is to cover, flip or
eliminate all those items that contain or could
store water and in which mosquitoes could
accumulate."
In addition, the use of long-sleeved garments,
pants, and hat, as well as repellent throughout the
day is recommended.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito acts as a vector or
transmitter of the disease-producing viruses Dengue,
Zika, and Chikungunya.
The mosquitos acquire the viruses by feeding on a
sick person. Each time the mosquito feeds again, it
can transmit a virus to a new host, continuing the
spread of the disease.
Epidemiologists recommend:
-Always use repellent and reapply it in case of
sweat or contact with water. The repellent can be
applied both on the skin and on the clothes. It
should not be applied directly on the face: it is
recommended that the user spray the repellent on
hands and then rub them on the face, avoiding eyes
and mouth.
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A.M. Costa Rica wire services
photo
Each time the mosquito
feeds again, it can transmit a virus to a new
host, continuing the spread of the disease.
-Keep tanks, stems, wells and any other types of
water tanks covered.
-Remove standing water from places where mosquitoes
breed, including old containers, vases and used
tires.
-Clean the animal troughs daily (empty them, brush
them and refill them).
In case of symptoms such as high fever, joint pain,
vomiting, rash, and headaches or abdominal pain go
to the nearest Social Security health center.
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Have you heard of
cases of people infected with dengue in your
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