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This year we have seen the rise and lately the fall of the incidence of zika reported infections; the rise in the frequency of reported dengue and chikungunya along with lesser known diseases such as West Nile fever appearing more frequently.

The appearance of these diseases is not unknown nor was undetected before. However; with zika appearing in Florida, rising dengue reports from India then the question must be, is this improved reporting or an entomological rise? Theories and reports  abound regarding the reasons for these and no empirical evidence as been produced either way.

What can be learnt is that is a genuine concern about increasing levels of mosquito borne infections are being noted and treated. The recent article in the Times of India asks the questions of the government and political members about who has the liability for these increases?

As health care professionals we can review what is known as fact. Part of the factual evidence is recording what has been successful and replicating that elsewhere. In September this year, WHO determined Sri Lanka as a malaria free country. Yet little has been highlighted how they achieved this notable status in adjacent countries.

Looking forward to 2017, in an attempt to support its residents, then other countries with rising levels of mosquitoes, could consider an approach such as the mapping of infected areas, especially those prone to the collection of water. The quick reporting of an outbreak, associated testing laboratories are all essential for the response to any infection, along with the early release of medical supplies.

All the clinical delivery will be undone without the parallel support of public health education of residents to remove stagnant water, continuing with the interior room spraying and where issued, the use of mosquito nets. The timing of this needs to happen in the drier seasons and if the politicians/healthcare teams wish to follow the lead in reduction of infection, timing could be the forum for delivery.

As many countries move into 2017 with a history of rising mosquito borne infections, a reflective review needs to occur. Public health education focuses on acting sooner rather than later and sharing experiences from other countries that have been successful. By making politicians/managers/healthcare teams accountable to deliver strategies, does this underpin the way to contain and reduce such infections?