Tag: Mosquito Research and Control Unit
MRCU deploys Buffalo Turbine to combat mozzie surge
(CNS): With the increase in mosquito numbers due to heavy rain last week, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is deploying its Buffalo Turbine on Monday night from 8pm around the centre of George Town. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, it will be using the equipment to spray around the industrial area. […]
High tides herald mosquito surge in early October
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is warning the public of a potential increase in mosquitos early next month following localised flooding in low-lying areas across Grand Cayman due to recent high tides. This has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, and the MRCU is urging people to prepare for the predicted rise […]
MRCU data shows dramatic drop in mosquitos
(CNS): One sign of dedication in the staff at the Mosquito Research and Control Unit is their willingness to get bitten in the name of science. As well as counting the number of mosquitoes caught in traps each night, they also collect data in the form of bites per minute. “This is when a disease […]
Respiratory illnesses spike amid new COVID strain
(CNS): The Ministry of Health and Wellness expects that respiratory illnesses will continue to increase over the course of the holiday season and in January due to travel, the influx of arrivals, and an increase in the number and size of gatherings. The World Health Organization has also classified the JN.1 strain of COVID-19 as […]
MRCU cranks up efforts in the face of August rain
(CNS): After two very hot dry months, August has been particularly wet so far, leading to an increase in mosquitoes, and the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has been doubling efforts in response. MRCU Director Dr Alan Wheeler noted that it has rained almost every day this month and mosquito numbers are now high, […]
MRCU issues warning despite larvicide efforts
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has just completed its largest-ever pre-season larvicide treatment, which covered almost 15,000 acres. Despite this, MRCU Director Dr Alan Wheeler warned that a large emergence of mosquitoes is expected over the coming days as the wet weather continues.
MRCU takes aim at larvae ahead of rain
(CNS): Ahead of the first major rainfall of the year, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit has begun the annual pre-hatch treatment of mosquito larvae across the Cayman Islands’ major breeding sites. This is a preventative control method that kills the pests before they develop into biting adults looking for a blood meal.Â
Mosquito surge expected in wake of early rain
(CNS): The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) said it is expecting a significant emergence of the pests from Sunday evening resulting from early rain and high tides. Despite widescale residual larviciding treatment before the rain, the MRCU still expects a mosquito problem due to the extent of the flooding.Â
Imported dengue case on Brac but no local spread
(CNS): The Public Health Department has confirmed one case of dengue fever on Cayman Brac in an individual who had travelled from a country where the virus is common but said there had been no local transmission of the mosquito-borne virus. Although there was one previous case in August, PHD said there had been no […]
Cayman sees first case of dengue in three years
(CNS): The Public Health Department has confirmed a case of dengue fever in the Cayman Islands this week, the first for three years. Officials have not said if the individual suffering from the mosquito-borne viral disease had a travel history to a place where it is prevalent but did confirm there had been no local […]
Mosquito trouble is the worst for decades
(CNS): Mosquito and Research Control Unit Director Dr Alan Wheeler has blamed the worst mosquito problems for two decades on a number of natural factors, such as COVID-19 and Tropical Storm Grace, but not the management issues that have surrounded the MRCU over the last two years. Wheeler, who was appointed as director in July […]
