Students Visit to MRCU Cayman Brac
The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) in Cayman Brac had the pleasure of hosting 15 enthusiastic Year 6 students from Creek and Spot Bay primary schools, on 13 February, for an educational and interactive tour of our facilities. The visit was designed to give the students a deeper understanding of the vital work MRCU does to protect the community from mosquito-borne diseases.
Exploring the MRCU Laboratory
The tour began with an introduction to the MRCU laboratory, where students were given the opportunity to observe mosquito larvae and pupae under microscopes. The students were immediately fascinated by what they saw, and their curiosity shone through as they eagerly asked questions about the different life stages of mosquitoes. One student, for example, was especially intrigued by how mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents and body heat, sparking an engaging discussion on how different people experience mosquito bites differently.
The students also learned about the mosquito life cycle and the various species that can be vectors for diseases. When one student asked, "What happens if mosquitoes bite us, do we die?" it led to an in-depth discussion about how MRCU works to disrupt the mosquito life cycle to reduce populations before they reach the adult stage.
Learning About Field Operations
After the lab session, the students moved outside to gain hands-on knowledge about the fieldwork carried out by MRCU’s Disease Prevention Officers (DPOs). DPO “Mr. Rico” explained the process of preparing the Fogger truck for liquid adulticiding treatments. He shared how MRCU primarily targets mosquito breeding sites with environmentally safe products to minimize the impact on the environment while ensuring effective mosquito control.
Mr. Frank then introduced the students to the Buffalo turbine and Loader truck, explaining the importance of aerial and ground larviciding in mosquito control. Mr. Tyler provided additional insights, pointing out how standing water in old tires, buckets, and even coconut shells creates perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Explaining the Fogging Process
The students also had the chance to see MRCU’s fogging equipment up close. Ms. Shauna, our Operations Manager, explained how the trucks release ultra-low volume insecticide during the evening when mosquitoes are most active. She emphasized how this process is designed to be effective while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, showcasing MRCU’s commitment to environmentally sensitive practices.
Engaging the Students
To wrap up the visit, the students were challenged to think about ways they could help reduce mosquitoes at home.
As a fun and educational exercise, they were asked to do their own research on the Culex Nigripalpus mosquito, color a picture of the mosquito, and highlight key distinguishing marks. The students were excited to take on the challenge, and a prize will be awarded in two weeks for the most informative and detailed drawing.
Interactive Q&A Session
The visit also included a Q&A session where the students had the opportunity to ask questions and test their knowledge about mosquitoes. Four students won candy prizes for answering questions correctly, including:
- Pronouncing Taeniorhynchus
- Whether all mosquitoes bite
- What male mosquitoes feed on versus female mosquitoes
- Why Yellow Fever is called Yellow Fever
Looking Forward to Future Visits
The enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the students made the visit a resounding success. The teachers expressed their gratitude for the hands-on experience, noting that it was an excellent complement to their science lessons. In fact, one student even delivered a thank-you speech to MRCU for hosting the class, highlighting the impact the visit had on them.
At MRCU, we are committed to raising awareness about the critical work we do in mosquito control and to fostering an interest in science and environmental protection among young people. We look forward to hosting more school groups in the future, providing more students with the chance to explore the world of mosquito research and control right here in the Sister Islands.
A Special Thanks
A big thank you to the teachers and students of Creek and Spot Bay Primary School for their enthusiasm and participation. We are excited to see the next generation of environmental stewards growing in curiosity and knowledge.
