By Andrea Hargraves 
To avoid neglecting the population during the festivities and the extended Carnival holiday, SES (Minister of Health Status of Mato Grosso do Sul) launched a campaign advising residents to reserve at least 15 minutes per day for cleaning the house, patios and grounds to prevent the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the main agent of transmission of dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
For the Secretary of State for Health, Mauricio Simes-Core, care must continue, mainly due to the heavy rains that hit the state. “People need to do their part. Fighting dengue is the duty of the state but it is the job of every citizen.”
In partnership with municipalities, SES has implemented ongoing actions aimed at controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The concept is that residents already know what to do in the house, backyard and in vacant lots, but there is always a need to reinforce the reminder so they don’t leave that care later.
It is estimated that around 80% of mosquito infestations occur in homes, hence the importance of taking care of all spaces.
SES reported that it conducts trainings throughout the year with 79 municipalities in the epidemiological and vector areas of the state government.
Check out the tips:
• Avoid standing water at any time of the year.
• Cover drums, water drums and water tanks well.
• Store tires in covered places.
• Remove twigs and leaves from gutters.
• do not leave water accumulated on the slab;
• Fill vases with sand to the brim or wash them once a week and always maintain pools.
• Close garbage bags tightly and keep them out of the reach of children and animals.
Also, it is important to change the water from vases and aquatic plants once a week; put garbage in plastic bags in closed bins; Keep glass bottles and cans upside down; Cover drains, pick up plastic bags and trash from the backyard, among other measures that prevent water and dirt build-up.
Rodson Lima, SES