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Dhofar Municipality fights Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

19 Sep 2020 By MOHAMMED TAHA

Dhofar Municipality has launched the second phase of a campaign to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the governorate. 

The mosquito is the main vector that transmits the virus that causes dengue.

The campaign was launched on Thursday in the presence of the H E Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, and H E Dr Mohammed bin Ahmed al Sa’eedi, Minister of Health, among other officials and representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Muscat Municipality.

Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, chairman of Dhofar Municipality, said that the second national campaign to combat Aedes aegypti began in Salalah and will later continue in Taqah and Mirbat.

“These mosquitoes spread in wet weather as it aids in its growth. Dhofar Municipality will cooperate with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence and Muscat Municipality to eradicate the mosquito,” he said. 

The Ministry of Health has issued several guidelines to limit the spread of the mosquito. 

The Ministry of Health has urged people to follow certain steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, which include cleaning of water tanks every five days, disposal of water collected from air conditioners, changing water used in fountains, swimming pools and agricultural purposes every five days.

It also calls for changing water in containers for animals and birds every five days, and properly covering water tanks. 

Used tyres, empty dye cans and damaged household utensils should be disposed scientifically.

The dengue virus is passed on to humans through bites of infective female Aedes mosquitoes, which acquire the virus while feeding on the blood of infected individuals.

The virus infects the mosquito’s mid-gut and subsequently spreads to the salivary glands over a period of 8-12 days. After this incubation period, the virus can be transmitted to humans. 

The immature stages of the mosquitoes are found in water-filled habitats, mostly in artificial containers closely associated with human dwellings and often indoors.

 

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