D-Day to Fight Mosquitoes: Cleaning effort mobilizes agents and residents

The fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue, zika and chikungunya does not stop in Lavras. This Saturday 23/3, the Municipal Government, through the Health and Arbovirus Combat Coordinators, promoted another joint effort to clean and combat dengue, this time, in the Vila Murad and Serra Azul neighborhoods.

The action included the participation of endemic disease control agents and the city hall’s cleaning team. According to the Arbovirus Surveillance Coordinator, João Carlos de Abreu, the initiative aims to intensify dengue prevention and control actions. “We are here carrying out visits to homes, eliminating breeding sites and providing guidance to the population to help us overcome mosquito breeding sites,” said João.

During the action, home visits were carried out with guidance to the population and application of the indoor insecticide Permitrina, which is carried out inside homes; In addition, the agents also covered water tanks and collected containers that accumulate water from lots and streets. A drone was used to map properties, where agents have difficulty entering.

“Community mobilization is essential to reduce the risks of epidemics of these diseases and guarantee the health and well-being of everyone”, reinforced the Health Surveillance Coordinator, Flávia David. She also said that it is extremely important that the population participates and is responsible for their own residence.

The D-Day Combat Mosquito initiative had the support of residents. Maria Resende de Carvalho’s husband already had dengue fever, and she knows the importance of the agents’ work. “It is essential that everyone does their part in keeping their yards clean. If everyone works together, there will be no mosquitoes.”

The Aedes Aegypti Rapid Building Infestation Index Surveys (LIRAa) indicate that three in four dengue mosquito outbreaks are inside homes.

The containers that contained the most mosquito larvae were small dishes for plant pots, uncovered drains, poorly packed garbage, water barrels and tires.