It is likely that you have at some point encountered the deadliest insect in the world – the mosquito. These small insects may seem harmless, but diseases such as Dengue Fever, Malaria, Encephalitis, Zika Virus are all spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes and can be fatal.
Employees who work outside, or in buildings with open windows and doors are at greater risks of encountering mosquitoes, which can be infectious and can pass diseases to humans. Workplaces should understand and implement precautions that will reduce risks for workers.
In 2016, Zika virus outbreak quickly spread from Brazil to other parts of the world. With transmission reported in 23 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus, a public health emergency. Although cases have subsided in 2017, there is still not a vaccine for Zika virus.
Though the Zika storm has calmed, Dengue fever is still ranked by the WHO as the most important mosquito borne viral disease in the world. The Ministry of Health has recently announced an outbreak of dengue fever in Dar es Salaam and Tanga region along the coast and attributes the outbreak to heavy rainfall.
The virus is transmitted through the bite of female mosquitoes that bite during the daytime from dawn to dusk. These mosquitoes thrive in areas with standing water, including puddles, water tanks, containers and old tires. Lack of reliable sanitation and regular garbage collections also contribute to the spread of mosquitoes.
Tips to keep Workplaces Safe:
- Conduct Risk assessment – For any outdoor work, assess the area for mosquito population. Being able to differentiate between a low risk-zone and a high risk zone can help managers understand if additional precautions need to be taken to reduce the mosquito population.
- Eliminate mosquito eggs – mosquitoes often lay their eggs in bushes and in stagnant water. Mosquito exterminators should be hired to spray bushes near the worksite. Eliminate areas of stagnant water.
- Provide employees with insect repellant – Outdoor employees should be provided with insect repellant and encouraged to apply every 4 – 6 hours as per instructions.
- Advise employees to wear appropriate clothing – Employees should wear neutral colored, long sleeved clothing to cover the skin.
- Prevent mosquitoes from coming indoors – Install screens on all windows and doors with regular checks for holes that may allow mosquitoes to enter. Spraying screens with repellant or insecticide can also help reduce mosquitoes getting into the building.
- Educate employees on disease symptoms – Employers should remind employees to seek medical attention if necessary and provide a list of potential symptoms for various mosquito-borne diseases likely in their area. If the worksite is located in a high risk zone for a specific disease, workers should see a doctor as soon as symptoms such as high fever, appear, rather than waiting to see if the symptoms resolve on their own.
- Provide additional equipment to keep mosquitoes away – if workers need to sleep outside, provide treated mosquito nets.
Like any safety helmets, glasses and gloves, insect repellant is an essential piece of gear that keeps employees protected on the job. Adequate preparation, like assessing the area and taking preventive measures against mosquitoes, is more cost-effective than expensive disease treatments or the cost of life. Create a healthier, more productive work environment by protecting employees and your organization by putting mosquitoes out of work for good.