Via the Jamaica Observer: Dengue fear hits Kingston, St Catherine communities. Excerpt:
Residents of some Corporate Area and St Catherine communities say poor conditions have led to an increase in the mosquito population, and are fearful of a possible dengue outbreak in their areas.
One such community is Seaview Gardens in Kingston, which is bordered by two gullies, both of which empty into Kingston Harbour. The gullies are polluted with all kinds of debris and stagnant water, making it a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Residents of the low-income community told the Jamaica Observer that mosquitoes have been making their lives hell.
“The mosquitoes are like an army; in the evenings we have to rush inside our homes and lock up tight. They are just as bad in the day. They bite right through your clothes and behave like we are invading their space. The situation is very bad and we are begging our member of parliament and councillor to do something,” Andre Wallace, a resident told the Observer.
During a visit yesterday to the community by the Observer, residents complained that despite visits to the polluted waterways by the political representatives nothing has been done to address their plight.
Thousands of plastic bottles, black plastic bags, used tyres, pieces of board, crocus bags with waste, and many other forms of garbage litter the gullies.
There was a heavy buzz of mosquitoes, despite the fact that it was only mid-morning. Two of the insects stung this reporter and left a reddish area at the points of contact.
