AN outbreak of mosquito infestation in large parts of the western coast of Bahrain has prompted an urgent call for intervention.
The Northern Municipal Council is urging the Health Ministry to introduce new methods to combat the outbreak, mainly in coastal areas of Malkiya, Saddad, Shahrakan, Karzakan and Demistan.
This is not the first time the western coast has been affected by an infestation, which usually occurs following heavy showers as large pools of stagnant rainwater become fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The council said it has been bombarded with complaints since last month’s heavy rains as residents of the villages fear their health is at risk with many of them falling ill while others have developed itchy and tumour-like rashes after being bitten.
“The current pest control equipment and sprays used by the Health Ministry are past their prime and it is clear the problem of the spread of mosquitoes is not being resolved,” said council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji.
“We have suggested that the ministry shift to new advanced technologies and methods to combat the outbreak which has been a regular scene in the last two decades.
“One of the options is using chlorine at certain degrees while monitoring its effect under regular tests and inspections.
“Mosquitoes here don’t spread malaria, however, leaving them unchecked without finding root solutions to their outbreak is making people sick.”
The council’s vice -chairman Yaseen Zainal, a former public health official, said the ministry has been contacted to investigate the issue and come up with an urgent solution.
He also stressed it was essential to contain the situation and work on a plan to eradicate the infestation before it spreads to other parts of the country.
“We are seeking urgent action from the Health Ministry that involves having the infected areas sprayed and the mosquito eggs destroyed, along with uncovering the reasons behind the emergence of the mosquitoes,” he said.
“This is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention, especially due to its re-occurrence, and I understand that there are shortages in staff due to the retirement scheme and a lack of new technologies due to cost-cutting measures.
“However, people’s health cannot wait for someone to figure out if money should be spent or not or if employees should be brought on site or not.”
Meanwhile, Malkiya Environment and Public Parks Friends head Juma Al Mallah urged authorities to approach the World Health Organisation (WHO) for assistance in coming up with long-term solutions.
“There is a problem with mosquitoes here and I know they don’t spread malaria but they are spreading other illnesses and diseases,” he said.
“The problem here is that the issue is being treated on the surface and not to the core, so the WHO could help with long-term solutions based on its experiences across the world.”
The GDN reported in May last year that neighbourhoods across Bahrain were sprayed with pesticide as part of efforts to eradicate mosquito infestations.
At the time the ministry dispatched a team of 25 pest control specialists, including four supervisors, to areas where large pools of stagnant rainwater existed.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))