Muscat – North Sharqiyah Municipality has launched intensive mosquito control operations following a reported dengue fever case in the Al Haimah area of Ibra.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. 

In coordination with the Ministry of Health’s team in the governorate, municipal authorities carried out insecticide spraying at the affected residence and neighbouring homes as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The municipality said the rapid response forms part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Residents have been urged to remove stagnant water from around their homes and report any areas where mosquitoes may be breeding.

Authorities stressed the importance of community cooperation in combating vector-borne diseases, particularly during the summer season when mosquito activity tends to increase.

The municipality affirmed that it will continue monitoring the situation in coordination with health authorities and take all necessary preventive measures to safeguard the community.

The ministry has urged people to take necessary steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by properly covering water tanks and cleaning these every five days. The ministry also requested people to dispose of water from air conditioners, change the water of fountains and swimming pools every five days, and monitor water reservoirs for agricultural purposes regularly.

It also called for changing water kept in containers for animals and birds every five days.

‘Used tyres, empty cans and damaged household utensils should be disposed appropriately,’ it further advised.

Aedes aegypti transmits dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika, Mayaro and yellow fever viruses. The mosquito can be recognised by black and white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax.

Dengue fever spreads through female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after they bite an infected person.

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.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, mostly in disposed containers left outdoors.