A community cleanup programme will be carried out as part of emergency measures to deal with the increase in cases of the Chikungunya virus.
Local Government Minister Noel Arscott says the J$30 million exercise will also be used to train response officers who will disseminate information on preventing the disease.
“We’ve also looked at some of the trouble spots, such as manholes of utility companies. We are going to attach all those sites seen as possible breeding grounds for the mosquito,” Arscott said.
And based on feedback from the parish councils of the parishes hit the hardest by the virus symptoms, there's now a flurry of activity aimed at preventing its spread.
The St Catherine Parish Council has contracted close to 100 persons to deal with the suspected cases.
They were chosen by the parish councilors and represent all 41 divisions.
Mayor of Spanish Town,Norman Scott, says the training started this week and once completed they will visit specific communities to educate residents about mosquito breeding prevention measures.
In St. Thomas, Mayor of Morant Bay Ludlow Mathison, admits that there has been a significant impact on the parish due to persons falling ill with the symptoms.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson will address the nation on Sunday evening on the Chikungunya Virus.
This will be aired on RJR 94 FM at 7pm and at 10pm on TVJ.
Environmental Health Consultant at PAHO, Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, has forecast the number of Chick V cases in Jamaica to continue to increase for several more months.
The Health Ministry plans to approach PAHO for assistance in tackling the spike in the disease.
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