Anti Aedes

War on Aegypti and Vexans

THE Suva health authorities again warned householders, in January, that attention must be paid to likely mosquito breeding-places, such as water containers, plant drip-pans, flower vases, etc. They urged, also, the importance of examining all house-guttering and check ing the flow of rain water and drains, and of seeing that no empty tins, bottles or jars were left lying around.

The health department’s anti-mosquito campaign is particularly designed to keep down or get rid of Aedes Aegypti. Aedes Aegypti is a black and white striped mos quito, and is the most common found in Fiji. It is the carrier of yellow fever, and dengue, and it breeds and lives around houses, preferring to lay its eggs in small containers (as opposed to stream or drain breeders), and it never flies far from its breeding place. It is a daylight feeder, persistently attacking the ankels, wrists, ears and neck.

Aedes Vexans —a small, brown variety— are also being concentrated upon by the health department. They usually appear for four or five days in succession and then disappear, and are thought to breed in pitted, low-lying land.

The death is reported of Mr. Tom Sul livan, the former purser of the well known old trading steamer, “Papuan Chief.” He was widely known and popu lar at all Papuan ports. When the ves sel was put out of commission he was employed in the STC stores, at Port Moresby.