Public health authorities in Suriname are ramping up their response to chikungunya next week, with a planned mosquito spraying operation across multiple residential districts in Paramaribo and Wanica. The country’s Bureau for Public Health (Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg, BOG) announced that its specialized “Dengue Truck” will be deployed from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, targeting the districts of Welgelegen, Flora, and Tammenga.
This large-scale spraying initiative forms part of BOG’s broader strategy to slow the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, and other related infections. All spraying operations will be conducted daily between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, aligned with peak mosquito activity periods in the region.
The operation follows a phased schedule: crews will treat selected neighborhoods within Welgelegen on June 15, 16, and 17. On June 17, treatment will also expand to zones within the Flora district, which will continue to receive coverage on June 18 and 19. On the final day of the operation, June 19, crews will additionally treat a section of the Tammenga district.
BOG has issued clear precautionary guidance for residents living in the affected zones to minimize unnecessary exposure to the spray. Key recommendations include covering all stored food and drinking water, securing outdoor enclosures for pet birds, and replacing all pet food and drinking water after spraying is completed. The agency also advises that infants and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain in fully enclosed indoor spaces for the duration of daily spraying activities.
Officials noted that the entire operation is subject to change based on weather conditions. Heavy rainfall will halt spraying activities, as precipitation renders insecticide less effective against mosquito populations. In addition to the scheduled public spraying, BOG is urging all local residents to take proactive steps to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on and around their own properties. The agency emphasizes that regularly draining standing water collections or covering all still water containers remains one of the most effective long-term measures to prevent the spread of chikungunya, dengue, and other mosquito-borne illnesses across the country.