Vector control workers stoned in St Elizabeth

The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) is urging members of the public to desist from attacking vector control workers carrying out their duties, following a stoning incident on Tuesday.

The vector control team was in Siloah, St Elizabeth, when the incident happened Tuesday evening.

The SRHA says the team had stopped to address a machine malfunction, when one member was struck on the shoulder by a stone. Another team member was then hit and the team retreated after observing additional stones being thrown at them.

It says two team members suffered physical injuries and pain and had to seek medical attention.

The matter was reported to the police.

The SRHA is reminding the public that vector control workers are properly identified by uniforms and identification cards and operate from marked Ministry of Health & Wellness vehicles.

It adds that the chemical used in the fogging process is certified and approved for use, and is safe to operate or be applied around an environment with residents.

In the meantime, the Authority says the team has ramped up its environmental health activities to minimise adverse health related outcomes in the parish. It says they have been doing health education, inspections, activities and assessments in areas of food safety, waste water management, water quality monitoring, vector control and general sanitation.

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