Environmental Health
MRCU battles surges and resistant mosquitoes
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is in an ongoing fight with Cayman’s most prolific pest. In June, mosquito populations reached their highest levels of the year, with trap counts rising to 170 mosquitoes per trap. CNS visited the field to investigate the measures being taken by the MRCU to address the spike […]
Minister says small MRCU team doing ‘massive job’
(CNS): As the new health minister, Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, continues scoping out all her areas of responsibility, a morning spent in the field with the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) appears to have been an eye-opener. After witnessing the detailed scientific work the team does in hazardous conditions to tackle Cayman’s most persistent pest, she […]
Latest rain spawns ‘aggressive’ mosquito
(CNS): As the Mosquito Research and Control Unit continues to respond to the surge in mosquito numbers, it is warning residents that the species emerging in the greatest numbers at the moment is the Aedes taeniorhynchus (the black saltmarsh mosquito). This pest is known for its aggressive biting, especially just before sunrise and just after […]
Dump is ‘urgent priority’ but no policy outlined
(CNS): Following a visit to the George Town landfill, the new minister responsible for Cayman’s ever-growing rubbish pile has said the issue is an “urgent national priority”, but so far, there are no indications on how she plans to address it. Last year, in her capacity as sustainability minister, Kathy Ebanks-Wilks withdrew from the talks […]
MRCU expecting another surge of mosquitos
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit has stepped up operations as another surge in the mosquito population is expected as a result of the recent rain and high tides. The MRCU is warning residents, especially those in West Bay and George Town, to expect an increase in numbers in the coming days due to […]
Minister commits to dump solution, mum on plastic ban
(CNS): In an address to mark World Environment Day, which this year was focused on beating plastic pollution, Environment Minister Kathy Ebanks-Wilks accepted that this is a growing problem here in the Cayman Islands. But even as she committed to addressing the wider waste-management problem and the George Town dump, the minister made no mention […]
MRCU urges residents to remove standing water
(CNS): With the rise in mosquito-transmitted diseases in our region, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit is urging residents to clear standing water from their yards to help reduce the current high number of mosquitoes. The MRCU has joined forces with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and regional partners to mark Caribbean Mosquito Awareness […]
Aerial larviciding operations begin across Cayman
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit has begun daytime aerial larviciding operations across Grand Cayman, which will continue over the next two weeks, weather permitting, the MRCU said in a release. The MRCU aircraft will be flying at low altitude, making multiple passes over target areas to ensure full coverage and that no mosquito […]
Mozzie horror continues as numbers soar
(CNS): Mosquito numbers were significantly reduced during last month’s surge, but the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) said there were early signs that suggest another event, possibly larger than the last, is developing. In response, MRCU teams are actively collecting data and monitoring key areas to guide targeted control measures, and staff worked throughout […]
Schedule set for pre-storm season bulk waste clean-up
(CNS): The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) will begin its Annual Bulk Waste Collection in West Bay on Monday, 5 May, giving residents a week to clear out homes and yards and set out big waste items for collection. While many have been distracted for the last two months by the election campaign, the start […]
MRCU keeps up pressure as mosquito surge continues
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is keeping up the pressure on mosquitoes as the winds drop and the insects surge as a result of earlier rains. The MRCU continue both ground and aerial operations this week as data shows more mosquitoes are expected to emerge. The forecast spike over the Easter holiday weekend […]
