Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson is urging citizens to be even more vigilant in looking for and destroying mosquito breeding sites in their environment in light of recent rainfall which affected the island.

Dr Ferguson says this is necessary to limit the spread of vector-borne diseases, including chikungunya.

"Mosquitoes can breed in anything that collects water. The recent rainfall has created even more opportunity for containers to collect water and become mosquito breeding sites. Persons should also ensure that they cover containers used to store water. Uncovered drums and water tanks have been found to be the main breeding sites for mosquitoes," he explained.

Chikungunya is spread by the Aedes aegypti, which is mainly a mosquito that will almost always be found in and around areas where people live, work and play.

The mosquito breeds in water that settles in containers around homes, schools, churches, workplaces and playgrounds. Persons are urged to get rid of old tyres and other containers in which water can settle.

Citizens are also urged to punch holes in tins before disposing them, and cover properly the large drums, barrels and tanks holding water.

Dr Ferguson is also urging individuals and communities to ensure consistent clean-up of their environment to reduce the possibility of spread of vector-borne and other diseases.

Infants and the elderly are at greater risk for more severe symptoms. There are some illnesses such as diabetes, mellitus and cardiovascular disease, that may increase the risk for severe symptoms .