WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature is intensifying its efforts to address the mosquito infestation in the Piskadera and Charo neighborhoods. The Technical Hygienic Services (THZ) team has previously sprayed these areas and will continue treatment tonight with a vehicle dispersing insecticide.
Between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., the THZ team will treat local streets, targeting mosquito breeding grounds that have been causing significant nuisance to residents. The ministry advises residents to keep windows and doors closed when the spray vehicle passes by. Additionally, they recommend covering or bringing in car tires to prevent water accumulation, a common breeding ground for mosquito larvae.
In addition to spraying, the ministry is applying BTI, a biological agent used in water to effectively target larvae. The ministry apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this may cause to residents in Piskadera and Charo.
Concerns Over Dengue Outbreak
These neighborhoods experienced a sharp rise in dengue cases last April, yet health authorities delayed informing the public, reportedly to avoid alarming tourists. In just a few months, dengue claimed three lives on the island.
Authorities disclosed these fatalities only after media inquiries, leading to an information session with the tourism sector. Hoteliers were urged to educate foreign guests on dengue prevention. However, the full extent of the outbreak remains unclear.
An epidemiologist who spoke to a Dutch newspaper was later asked to refrain from commenting, with her superior stating that only official press conferences would be used to communicate with the media. The Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB) also declined to make any public statements on camera.