PRESS RELEASE No.: 2018 - ELIMINATING MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES AND PROTECTING AGAINST BITES - GHS OCD

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is encouraging the public to inspect premises around their homes and businesses for standing water where mosquitoes may breed. The passing of Typhoon Mangkhut and its accompanying rainfall have created conditions around the island that would encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes, particularly the species that breed in containers, such as Aedes. Debris strewn by the storm may be collecting water and breeding this species of mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are known transmitters of dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya virus, and while these three mosquito-borne diseases are not found on Guam, they can be imported and spread by Aedes. Our neighboring islands in the Pacific, and Asia, frequently experience outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito breeding sites should be eliminated, and the public can help by:

Cleaning up of all debris, especially those that can hold water.
Disposing loose tires.
Cleaning pet water dishes regularly.
Cleaning, emptying, and properly screening or covering containers used to store water.
Clearing roof gutters of debris.
Properly disposing of all bottles, cans, buckets, and other containers that can collect water.
Plugging tree holes.
Repairing leaky outdoor faucets so not to create standing water.
Changing the water frequently in flower vases and other containers that routinely contain water, including pet dishes.

The public is also advised to wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing during outdoor activities as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. When practical, wear long-sleeves and pants when going outdoors. Proper application of mosquito repellents that contain 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

For any questions, please contact the Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program of the Division of Environmental Health of this Department at 735-7221.

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

PRESS RELEASE No.: 2018 - ELIMINATING MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES AND PROTECTING AGAINST BITES