Mexican and Chilean Authorities Boost Mosquito Control Measures

In the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, municipal leaders from Tula de Allende, Tepetitlán and Tezontepec de Aldama reached agreements with federal agencies to intensify eradication of the Culex mosquito and control invasive water‑hyacinth in the Endhó reservoir. Starting in August a high‑capacity aquatic‑plant shredder, ten times more powerful than existing units, will be deployed, with two additional shredders supplied by SEMARNAT and a joint Pemex‑state financing scheme. The plan also includes permanent fumigation rounds and a public information table to keep residents updated.

On Chile’s Easter Island (Rapa Nui), the regional health secretary, Dr. Mariol Luan, led an intensive territorial agenda to strengthen surveillance and prevention of Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Meetings with local officials, including the island’s mayor, focused on inter‑institutional coordination, risk communication and community participation. Activities included reviewing vector‑control actions, promoting waste‑recycling to reduce breeding sites, and health‑education outreach with school students.