Because of Bermuda's isolation, it has been so far spared from the spread of the potential fatal spread of dengue fever and West Nile Virus.

But that does not mean the diseases cannot come here, or that they will not spread rapidly through the community when and if they arrive. That's because the mosquitoes that carry them are here and are thriving.

The Asian Tiger Mosquito has been identified as a carrier of the potentially deadly West Nile Virus. And the aedes aegyptii, which also carries Dengue Fever, has also returned to the Island after being virtually eliminated in the 1940s. It would only take one animal or human with either disease to actually come to the Island for it to be start and guaranteeing that that will not happen is impossible.

What is possible is to limit the spread of the diseases if they do come by reducing or eliminating the mosquito populations.

According to the health authorities, the best way to do that is to empty containers of standing water after rain, such as plant pots, empty tyres and buckets.

That can be unpopular, especially for gardeners, who naturally take pride in their ponds and plant pots. But the cost to the Island is much greater if the growth of the mosquito populations is not reversed.

Then too, Government as an owner of dumps and public open spaces has a responsibility to ensure that it is as vigilant as private citizens. Similarly contractors and the owner of half-built or half-excavated properties also need to take precautions to make sure the properties don't become mosquito breeding grounds.

This is not something Government can or should do alone. It is the responsibility of every individual to make sure that these potentially fatal diseases cannot spread. Lives depend on it.