It is with utter disdain that I am forced to express my uneasiness concerning a mice infestation at a prestigious girls secondary school on Harris Promenade in San Fernando. Three weeks ago, mice were sighted on the compound and recently, teachers were met with mice droppings on their desks. The administration was informed but it seems as though the plight of the teachers have fallen on deaf ears.
As a parent, I am concerned for the health and well being of my daughter who attends this school.
I am sure that the population is aware of the dangers associated with mice infestation. However, it seems as though the relevant authorities are unaware of this. As a result, I believe I should elaborate.
Rodents are associated with illnesses as well as death associated with diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, lyme's di- sease and leptospirosis.
The gestation period for mice is three weeks and they reach sexual maturity at approximately eight to 12 weeks. In addition, their litters can number up to 15, depending on food availability. Thus I can only imagine what they have been up to for the past few months. Must we wait until a teacher or student falls ill before an attempt is made to alleviate this situation? Interestingly enough, rodent infestation is not the only issue affecting the school.
Over the past few months, students have made numerous complaints regarding the prevalence of mosquitoes, and cockroaches have also been sighted at the school. I for one am completely disgruntled with the school's handling of these situations. I am pleading with the school's administration, the Public Health Department, the authorities at the Ministry of Education, TTUTA, and the Cluny Board of Management to please step in and address this matter as soon as possible.
H Williams
Via e-mail