The initiative of Social and Health Insurance SZV to distribute 10,000 free insect repellent sprays (see related story) is commendable. Its obviously an attempt to guard residents against mosquitoes that spread the dengue and chikungunya viruses. Especially the latter has become an epidemic on the island and is reason for quite some concern. As there is no specific cure, prevention is the key and in addition to eliminating standing water that serves as breeding places for the bloodsuckers, keeping them at bay is the only way to go. The sprays are safe in the sense that they are made from natural ingredients and dont contain chemicals such as the harmful substance known as deet, which is important to avoid allergic reactions. That the sprays are shaped like pens is also an advantage, because people can take them along easily when venturing out and thus enjoy protection also on the road. Perhaps one could argue that as a government-owned agency SZV is treading onto the terrain of the private sector, causing unfair competition for local businesses selling similar products. However, considering the scope of the current problem the general interest must prevail, because also those who havent bought their own for whatever reason should be taken into account. Local authorities were criticised recently for exaggerating the threat by creating the impression chikungunya might be fatal while that is actually almost never the case, which could keep away unnecessarily the visitors who drive the local tourism economy. Nevertheless, perhaps it would be a good idea also to hand out the repellents to incoming guests at the airport and harbour, so they are adequately prepared as soon as they arrive. In general, its pretty hard not to get bitten at all, but the less the better. In that sense the situation can be compared to Russian roulette: your chances depend on how many bullets are in the revolvers chamber. Daily herald
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 11:39:19 +0000
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