The complacency of public health consultant Tanya Melillo in the article ‘Zika risk for Malta low’ (February 2) is unsurprising but ill-founded. It now appears that Zika can be sexually transmitted and that other types of mosquito can pick it up and spread it if they bite an infected person.

As we are rapidly approaching the English language teaching season when students from all over the world converge on Malta, I would suggest that the government put together a comprehensive mosquito eradication programme within the next fortnight.

Open reservoirs (both public and private) should be fitted with solar-powered pumps to keep the water moving. All stagnant water should be cleared and insecticidal sprays utilised where necessary.

This is a global health emergency, so let’s act appropriately.

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