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Tropical Storm Tomas Expected to Increase Mosquito Population Aboard GTMO

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101102-07
11/2/2010

By Chief Mass Communications Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The mosquito population aboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO) is expected to rise as a result of heavy rains produced by the passing of Tropical Storm Tomas Nov. 5 or 6.

Water left standing for three days or more creates a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to the potential for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preventing mosquito-borne diseases is a top priority for the Pest Management Team of US Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Preventative Medicine department.

"Mosquitoes are quite common here in GTMO, and are extremely prevalent after heavy rains," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Glenn A. Farris, US Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Preventive Medicine leading petty officer. "The reason mosquitoes become a problem during the rainy season or after periods of heavy rains are that there are plenty of stagnant puddles of water. This provides an environment for mosquitoes to lay eggs and reproduce.

"There are a wide variety of diseases, like malaria and dengue, which can be spread by mosquito bites. While historically, we have not had problems with mosquito-borne diseases here in GTMO, that does not mean we are 100 percent safe," said Farris.

Base residents should be vigilant for conditions that are favorable for mosquito breeding, said Farris.

"During the heavy rain season or periods of increased rain, containers can fill with water providing additional breeding areas for certain types of mosquitoes," Farris said. "Containers can be anything from household items such as flower pots and recycle bins to garbage such as old tires, various bottles, and even clogged gutters."

Mosquitoes rest in bushes and trees during the day when they are not actively feeding, said Farris. Limiting the amount of plants and trees can help to reduce populations.

There are actions that base residents can take to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes.

"The number one way to avoid mosquito bites is to avoid being outside around dawn and dusk," said Farris. "The use of personal insect repellents is always recommended as a great way to prevent bites."

Most people do not have serious reactions to mosquito bites beyond an itchy rash.

"The reason a mosquito bite becomes itchy is because the mosquito injects a numbing agent into the skin when it feeds and individuals usually have a very minor allergic reaction to it," said Farris. "There are many over-the-counter anti-itch products that provide adequate relief [from bites]. The Pest Management Team here in GTMO is working hard to keep the mosquito population under control. This is a very difficult task and requires constant monitoring and treatments."