Muscat – Muscat Municipality has launched the first phase of a campaign to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquitos in the governorate. The mosquito is the main vector that transmits the virus that causes dengue.

Statement issued by Muscat Municipality, said, “Eighty people participated in the first campaign that started from March 27 to 30. The campaign targeted 1,690 homes in three areas in Muscat.

Twenty-three teams of specialists used large quantities of pesticides to fight Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in three locations. Of those, 1,231 homes were in Ghubra, 254 in al Ansab, and 205 in al Hail South.

The Ministry of Health has urged people to take necessary steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by cleaning water tanks every five days, disposing water collected from air conditioners, changing water used in fountains, swimming pools and agricultural purposes every five days.

It also calls for changing water containers of animals and birds every five days, and properly covering water tanks. Used tyres, empty cans and damaged household utensils should be disposed appropriately.

The dengue virus is passed on to humans through the 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.

Meanwhile, MoH has announced that 26 cases of dengue were reported recently.

According to the MOH’s statics, 17 dengue cases were registered in the wilayat of Bausher, seven in the wilayat of Seeb, and two in the wilayat of Amerat.”