An anti-dengue reader slows the spread of mosquito vectors

The Ministry of Health and the Municipality of Muscat have inspected more than 60,000 establishments as part of a campaign to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito. -File photo

Muscat: A two-week campaign to combat the health problems badociated with the dengue mosquito resulted in a decrease in the number of fever cases.

The Ministry of Health inspected more than 60,000 establishments between January 8 and 23 as the ministry launched a Muscat-wide campaign to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito, in cooperation with Muscat.

Municipality.

Dr. Zainab Al Balushi, Infection Prevention and Control Specialist, told The Times of Oman, "Among the main results of the campaign is the significant decrease in the number of dengue cases. "

Al Balushi, who was also a member of the Muscat campaign committee for the elimination of Aedes aegypti, added: "In addition to reducing the number of cases, the community has become more aware of the need to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Hopefully this will help change people's behavior towards their environment. "

"The campaign has also raised awareness of ways to avoid mosquito bites and will help prevent the spread of the disease in the community," said Al Balushi.

When the first case of dengue fever was discovered in November, the Ministry of Health and the municipality of Muscat, among other government bodies, conducted an investigation into the Aedes aegypti mosquito to verify the local transmission of the virus. However, it was revealed that the mosquito had spread further than expected. On January 13, the number of locally transmitted dengue cases had increased to 48.

"The campaign covered 60,000 settlements in four Wilayats of Muscat governorate, namely Wilayat Seeb, Boushar, Muttrah and Muscat," Al Balushi said.

Dr. Saif Al Abri, Director General of Disease Surveillance and Control and Chair of the Campaign's Main Committee, pointed out that the campaign's central committee had trained about 1,000 people from various sectors and covered 90% of the homes and homes. targeted establishments.

The Minister of Health, Mr. Ahmed Al Saidi, was present at the closing ceremony of the Muscat campaign for the elimination of the Aedes aegypti mosquito at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Center on March 14th. .