• by Admin
• 23 Jul

Mosquito ‘fogging’ will not harm you, reminds WHO and Solomon Islands Ministry of Health

The mosquito fogging being conducted by the Vector Borne Disease Control Program (VBDCP) will not harm humans, reminds the World Health Organization (WHO) and Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). VBDCP staff from Honiara City Council (HCC) and Guadalcanal Province (GP) have been conducting ‘mosquito fogging’ operations in Honiara and in some areas of GP over the last month. These operations have been in response to the increased numbers of dengue cases that have been recorded, mainly in HCC. Precautionary fogging is also being applied at the major evacuation centres following the flash flooding in early April.

The Vector Borne Disease Control Program (VBDCP) of Guadalcanal Province is conducting mosquito fogging operations in flood-affected communities to combat the spread of dengue fever. These operations aim to kill adult dengue mosquitoes, potentially carrying the dengue virus, and help reduce the risk of further transmission.

Dengue mosquitoes become infected after biting someone with the virus. To prevent these mosquitoes from biting others and spreading the disease, fogging is being carried out in areas with high reported dengue cases. The process involves applying a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, similar to those found in household insect sprays. This insecticide is dispersed as a fine mist using a fogging machine, effectively targeting mosquitoes without posing health risks to humans. The fog is odorless and contains minimal insecticide concentrations, sufficient only to eliminate mosquitoes.

How Mosquito Fogging Works

The mosquito fogger is a large, noisy machine mounted on a truck. It emits a fine mist of insecticide and water droplets, reaching up to 90 meters away. The vehicle, equipped with a warning light, moves slowly through areas with high dengue case numbers, allowing the fog to penetrate yards and homes.

Residents are encouraged to open their doors and windows during fogging to allow the mist to enter and kill any mosquitoes indoors. Fogging is conducted during peak mosquito activity periods:

• Morning: 5:30–7:30 am
• Evening: 4:30–6:30 pm

Additional Prevention Measures

While fogging helps reduce adult mosquito populations, it is not enough to fully prevent dengue infections. Residents are advised to take the following steps:

• Eliminate Breeding Grounds: Regularly check and empty items that can collect water, such as tyres, drums, buckets, and water storage containers.
• Personal Protection: Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, especially during early morning and evening hours.

Key Points to Remember

• Fogging Locations: Operations are conducted in areas within Honiara City Council (HCC) and Guadalcanal Province (GP) with rising dengue cases.
• Safety: The insecticide used is safe for humans at the low concentrations applied and is odorless.
• Timing: Fogging occurs in the early morning or late afternoon when mosquitoes are most active.
• Cooperation: Residents are urged to keep doors and windows open during fogging and stay clear of the moving vehicle and fogging machine.

Stay Informed

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will continue fogging operations until dengue cases significantly decline. Weekly fogging schedules will be published in local newspapers, listing the areas planned for treatment.

Together, public authorities and residents can help control dengue outbreaks. Prevent mosquito breeding, protect yourself and your family, and cooperate with fogging operations to ensure a safer and healthier community.