The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is encouraging residents to keep the message of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week going by taking part in the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) Instagram Reel Competition.
Residents of the Cayman Islands who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter the competition, which will see two winners each receive an Amazon Gift Card valued at US$500.
More information on how to enter can be found here:
CARPHA Instagram Reel Competition
Participants are also encouraged to tag @MRCUCaymanIslands in their submissions.
The reminder comes as MRCU wraps up a successful week of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week activities in Grand Cayman, which welcomed approximately 575 students and 50 members of the public.
The week’s events included a live drone demonstration and guided tours of MRCU headquarters, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about mosquito control operations in the Cayman Islands and the important role the community plays in helping reduce mosquito breeding.
Participating schools included Cayman Academy, Cayman International School, Clifton Hunter High School, Footsteps School, Marie Martin Primary School and Prospect Primary School.
Throughout the week, students and members of the public met with MRCU staff, explored equipment and technology used in mosquito control operations, learned about mosquito species found in the Cayman Islands, and received practical guidance on ways to reduce mosquito breeding around homes and businesses.
Visitors also learned more about MRCU’s environmentally sensitive and data driven approach to mosquito control, including how research, surveillance data, observation sites and public complaints help guide operations across the islands. The activities highlighted the important role research plays in MRCU’s mosquito control programme and how science and innovation continue to support public health and environmental management in the Cayman Islands.
The activities also highlighted the importance of protecting pets and animals from mosquito borne diseases, including ensuring dogs and cats remain up to date on heartworm prevention.
Community awareness and public participation remain essential parts of effective mosquito control efforts, as achieving the best results requires a partnership between MRCU and the wider community.
The week’s activities supported several Cayman Islands Government broad outcomes, including protecting the safety and wellbeing of people, strengthening environmental sustainability, and building stronger communities through public education and engagement.
This year’s activities were well received, with strong participation from schools, families, members of the public and the civil service. MRCU hopes to continue building on that momentum through future outreach and educational events.
Although Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week has officially ended, mosquito awareness and source reduction efforts should continue year round. Anyone with questions about mosquitoes or mosquito control is encouraged to contact MRCU at mrcu@gov.ky.