6.

Vector control

Background information Above we discussed diseases that can be transmitted via animals. Animals that do not cause the disease themselves, but transmit to human-beings the pathogen (the disease causing organism), are called “vectors”. Mosquitoes, rats, lice, cockroaches are some of the animals that are called vectors. Vector control implies strategies and measures to control the population of specific vectors, including removal of breeding grounds and the hiding places, isolating their food source (which often is our food), killing the vectors in order to prevent and protect human-beings against contact with these vectors. Health aspects The school is a place where many people come together and infectious diseases could under such conditions easily be spread by vectors. Table 8 below indicates several diseases and the vector responsible for its transmission.

A sealed drainage pit prevents the Dengue mosquito from breeding, Fatima School, Paramaribo

Table 8: Vector related diseases and infection route Disease Dengue Yellow Fever Filariasis

Malaria

Vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito Aedes Aegypti mosquito culex mosquito Rat, pig, dog, cat, mouse, cattle, sheep (via urine) Anopheles mosquito

Scabies

Sarcoptes scabiel mite

Rabies

Dogs, rats, bats Pediculus humanus capitis Headlice Cat

Leptospirosis

Pediculosis Toxoplasmosis

Infection route Bite of infected mosquito Bite of infected mosquito Bite of infected mosquito thru contaminated food and water, wading in contaminated water Bite of infected mosquito Scabies is very contagious, especially in highly congested situations (like schools) Bite by infected dog, rat or bat Contact with infected person, their clothing or bedlinnen Contact with cat faeces An open pit is an ideal breeding site for Dengue mosquitoes.

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The animals listed in above table can transmit contagious diseases and consequently do not belong at all at schools. It is therefore very important that the school environment is clean and absent of vectors such as dogs, cats, bats, rats, mice and mosquitoes. The school buildings and yard should not provide shelter, food and breeding grounds for these animals. Stray cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs are not permitted either. Guidelines for actions: The vector-control program in Suriname is implemented by the vector control department of the Bureau for Public Health of the Ministry of Health. This implies cleaning the removal of breeding grounds, educating the community, killing vectors by means of spraying chemicals and placing poisons, enforcing the anti-litter regulations. There are also many private enterprises that render vector control services. Schools can provide an important contribution to public health by educating the children on the dangers of vector related diseases, implementing preventive measures and being an example of safe, sanitary and clean environments, free of breeding and hiding places of vermin. The mosquito There are different kinds of mosquitoes, but they all breed in water. The female mosquito feeds itself with the blood of an infected person. By stinging another person, this female mosquito can transmit this disease and infect this other person. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito solely breeds in clean still water around schools and your home. It is the vector for the viruses that cause Dengue and Yellow Fever. Dengue is causing increasingly more victims in Suriname and our region. The Culex mosquito breeds in dirty waste water, preferably in septic tanks. This mosquito is the vector for the pathogen of Filariasis (Elephantitis). Fortunately, as a result of vigilant efforts in the nineteen sixties by the Bureau of Public Health, especially the late Dr. Oostburg, Suriname is currently free from Filariasis. However, we must remain vigilant as this disease still occurs a lot in our neighboring country Guyana.

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The Anopheles mosquito breeds in rivers and creeks and also in brackish water and swamps. It is the vector for the malaria parasite. Malaria is still causing many victims in the interior of Suriname and people who have traveled there. Fortunately it is possible to quickly determine whether a person has malaria and there are adequate medicines are readily available. Guidelines for actions: One of the main rules in regard to prevent mosquito borne diseases is to prevent these mosquitoes from biting you and to prevent breeding opportunities. Seal rainwater drain pit at school to prevent breeding grounds for the Dengue mosquito. For more details and information about Dengue, its prevention check our website: http://www.paho.org/English/HCP/HCT/feti-dengue.htm. From this site you can download the posters and flyers used in this chapter. The Culex mosquito likes breeding in dirty waste water, including septic tanks. Therefore you have to inspect septic tanks on cracks and holes and fill these with grout. You should also prevent waste water from entering the schoolyard. It is difficult to combat the malaria mosquito, because it lives in an extensive area. If you live or visit in the interior, sleep under a mosquito net. When you get headaches and fevers, immediately consult a doctor for a malaria test. Lice Head lice often occur among children at school and when not quickly attended to can quickly spread among the children at school. In serious cases the lice can also be seen in the eyebrows and the lashes. Guidelines for action: Prevent the spread of lice by washing the hair at least once a week with soap or shampoo. In case of lice, consult the physician and use the medication as prescribed.

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Rats and mice If rats are living at school, they are mostly attracted by leftover food and they find good breeding grounds. Once there is a food stock (mostly garbage), water and a good breeding ground, rats can reproduce at a very high rate. Guidelines for action: Improve the sanitation in at around the school. Clean all food sources: do not leave food open, close garbage bins well and forbid littering of food on the schoolyard. Prevent breeding in unkempt storerooms, by storing items and goods properly and orderly. Keep the edges of the school-buildings without weed. Ensure a proper removal of all waste and garbage as described in chapter 2. Buildings can be made rat-free by preventing access, close cracks in doors and walls, keep windows closed and repair broken glass, remove braches overhanging on the roof and gutters (rats and mice might get access through the roof). Place rattraps or rat poison. In case of a plague you can turn for help to the Vector Control Department of the Bureau for Public Health. Ticks and fleas A plague of ticks and fleas arises at a school when there are stray dogs, cats, mice and rats. In case of a serious plague or when these animals are removed without simultaneously combating fleas and ticks, the pupils can become the carriers or these pathogens. Guidelines for actions: In order to prevent a fleas and ticks plague, dogs and cats should not be allowed at school. Once there is a fleas or ticks plague, contact the BOG or a pest control company.

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You can download this flyer from our website: http://www.paho.org/English/HCP/HCT/feti-dengue.htm

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You can download this flyer from our website: http://www.paho.org/English/HCP/HCT/feti-dengue.htm

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