Recent rainfall linked to the passage of storms Earl and Fiona could increase the population of mosquitoes, which are among the main nuisances perceived by the inhabitants of Saint-Martin and tourists. 

The territory has experienced heavy rainfall over the past few weeks due to the passage of Tropical Storm Earl and the more recent Storm Fiona resulting in a large growth of mosquitoes and breeding or egg-laying sites. If there are several species of mosquitoes in Saint-Martin, only one is capable of transmitting human diseases at the origin of often serious epidemics, Aedes aegypti, a species of which the tiger mosquito is a part. A bite from an infectious Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever and zika. Not to mention dirofilariasis, a disease also called "heartworm", which can be fatal for dogs and cats. It is therefore crucial that each citizen participates in preventing its reproduction. Unstable atmospheric conditions also contribute to the proliferation of these pests on the island, upsetting the meteorological epidemic risk. For example, after Hurricane Luis, a 25% increase in breeding grounds for dengue vector mosquitoes was recorded. The best way to manage a mosquito problem is therefore to attack its source: to prevent them from breeding. The Aedes aegypti mainly breeds in artificial roosts, in small collections of clear water, inside or around dwellings. Plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can collect a small amount of water while being a huge breeding ground for mosquitoes. Vases, old tires, empty paint cans, buckets or any other container that can hold water are the first things to check and dispose of if not used. Larval breeding sites can also form naturally in the hollow of a rock, a hole in a tree, bamboo or even your own plants. If these collect water between the leaves and the stem, they will become an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. Ditto for the gutters, to be cleaned regularly. The ARS, in conjunction with the prefect and the Collectivity, which defines the monitoring program for mosquitoes vectors of human diseases and the actions to be taken, calls for the social mobilization of citizens in terms of collective prevention. Removing breeding sites in and around habitats is the most effective way to reduce mosquito density. In order to avoid bites, there are also individual means of protection, such as wearing long and loose clothing, installing mosquito nets, using an electric diffuser for the protection of your interior and repellents even if the Aedes aegypti has developed strong resistance to chemical insecticides. No measure is 100% effective, but it is the sum of individual and collective measures that makes it possible to fight against the transmission of diseases. _VX

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