A massive bid to rid the Island of a type of mosquito, which can harbour a killer virus, has been launched by health officials.

The Department of Health last week began an anti-mosquito control campaign in a bid to eradicate a breed of the insect which can carry the potentially fatal Dengue Fever.

Last week, Chief medical officer Dr. John Cann issued an appeal to the public to seek out and destroy the pest's breeding grounds to avoid a possible epidemic of Dengue fever -- a viral disease that causes a flu-like illness.

The disease can kill if it is not diagnosed and treated.

"It is better to prevent than to wait for something to happen,'' said Health department epidemiologist Rhonda Daniels. "We are trying to be proactive.'' The virus transmitting mosquito -- called Aedes aegypti -- has been discovered in areas of Pembroke and Warwick.

"It was first noticed in Pembroke,'' said Environmental health officer David Kendell. "It was in one of the warehouses in the Mills Creek area.'' However, Ms Daniels was quick to add that the public should not panic since there have been no cases of Dengue Fever in Bermuda this year.

Unless the mosquitoes come into contact with a person already sick with the disease, they cannot spread it amongst the human population.

And there has to be a large mosquito population to create the likelihood of an epidemic.

Dengue Fever outbreak in Bermuda in 1942 Ms Daniels and Mr. Kendell pointed out that Bermuda was no stranger to the Aedes aegypti and the havoc it can cause.

"In 1942 we had a massive anti mosquito campaign because over 3,000 breeding sites were found and there was a Dengue Fever outbreak,'' explained. Mr.

Kendell. "The methods utilised in the 40's, like not keeping water sitting around, are pretty much the same practices we use now.'' During the 1940's campaign, the department increased its staff and received aid from abroad to help eliminate the pest.

"After the 1940's eradication we have been in vigilant mode -- looking for them,'' said Mr. Kendell. "We do regular screenings at the ports and airport so that if an insect leaves a boat or plane, we'll pick it up since they will probably lay their first eggs near their arrival point.'' Ms. Daniels added: "It had disappeared but now it has returned -- and that's what's worrying.'' Health officials have no idea how the virus-transmitting mosquito returned to the Island.

In a bid to avoid any potential problems, Ms Daniels suggested that those travelling abroad become aware of areas experiencing outbreaks of Dengue Fever (see map).

"If someone went abroad, was bit and contracted the disease, they could bring it back,'' she explained. "If they are bitten again once they are home, it can be transferred.

"But there are not enough mosquitoes on the Island to cause a problem -- yet.'' The Aedes aegypti , which originated in the jungle, differs from the common native mosquito in a number of ways.

It is a day-biting insect that normally attacks in the early morning or at dusk. It is a different colour to its native cousin, with white stripes on its legs, and it does not make a whining sound.

Because the mosquito lays its eggs in stagnant water the public should make sure that nothing which might collect rain water is left lying around (see side bar).

Things that cannot be emptied, like bird baths, should be scrubbed every few days and the Department of Health's Pest Control section will supply free guppies -- mosquito-eating fish -- to residents to place in their ponds.

"We are not recommending putting kerosene into the water because it will damage birds,'' Ms Daniels pointed out. "It was used in the past but we do not do it anymore -- we've become more environmentally conscious.'' Mr. Kendell said that it will take at least a year-long concerted effort on the part of the entire community to wipe-out the pest.

And he pointed out that every local had a legal responsibility to do their part, thanks to the Public Health (Mosquito Control) Regulations 1951.

"It is legislated that people should ensure that mosquitoes do not breed on their property,'' said Mr. Kendell.

Anyone requiring assistance with the mosquitoes should contact the Health Department's Pest Control section at 236-0224 ext. 247.

DANGER ZONES -- The World Health Organisation's map shows the General Distribution of Dengue and/or Dengue Haemorragic Fever since 1975 until this year. Travellers should know that there have been outbreaks of the disease in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

WIDE SPREAD -- Bermuda is not the only place where the Aedes aegypti mosquito will breed this year. This World Health Organisation map shows the actual and potential 1998 distribution of the virus transmitting mosquito.