Guam – The Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Environmental Health (DEH), joins the nation in recognizing the week of June 23–29, as National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. This week is designed to educate the general public on how to combat the threat of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and other illnesses. These diseases are not endemic on Guam, but we must continue to remain vigilant in preventing these diseases from establishing on island.
The Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program of the Division of Environmental Health encourages island residents to take an active role in reducing the mosquito population, which starts with basic cleaning around their homes and yards where mosquitoes may be breeding or hiding:
• Eliminate standing water in low lying areas of the yard, or on tarps that cover items such as boats, swimming pools, and grills
• Empty receptacles that collect water, such as buckets, cups, flowerpots, and tires
• Clean fallen leaves out of roof gutters and spouting
• Ensure outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids
• Trim and maintain tall shrubs and grasses
Practice personal protection to avoid mosquito bites:
• Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing when outside or during outdoor activities
• Use insect repellants. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most effective repellent contains 20% to 30% DEET(N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide)
• Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good repair so mosquitoes cannot enter your home
For more information, please contact the Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program of the Division of Environmental Health of this Department at 735-7221.
