First Case of Dengue Fever Reported in the Territory

 Alerta en Español

Health Commissioner Julia Sheen said today that the Department of Health has confirmed the Territory’s first case of Dengue Fever.

The case was reported in the St. Thomas-St. John district and follow-up testing confirmed positive for the disease caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is mostly found in the home, Sheen said.

“Increased rains can make certain areas near the home a haven for mosquito breeding and place individuals at risk for Dengue Fever,” Sheen said. “We went through both the hurricane and rainy seasons last year without a positive case of Dengue being reported and with this confirmed case, we urge residents to be vigilant and help their communities and the Department of Health stop the spread of Dengue Fever by doing basic things.”

Residents should:

• Keep tires in dry place 
• Put plants that are currently in water, into soil and empty flowerpot vases weekly
• Keep water barrels tightly sealed
• Cover or turn pet dishes and buckets that hold water upside down
• Place a screen or mesh over the overflow pipe of cisterns
• Repair or replace damaged screens and keep windows and doors without screens closed
• Cover infant cribs with mosquito netting
• Spray dark closets often 
• Use mosquito repellants containing DEET. Follow instructions carefully and use on arms, legs, ankles and nape of neck. Avoid applying repellant to eyes, lips or bruised skin and to children under 2 years old and to the hands of older children

Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito and symptoms include headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Residents should seek immediate care, if they have those symptoms, Sheen said.

More complicated cases of Dengue Fever can result in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever which is characterized by high fever, bleeding and circulatory failure and in rare instances, may result in death.

DOH Epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull said that the Department will issue a fogging schedule as part of its mosquito abatement program later this week in light of recent rains but reminds residents that the mosquito that causes Dengue is usually in the house.

“They hide in dark closets and sleep when we sleep and are awake when we are awake,” Dr. Tull said.

Sheen also reminds health care providers that Dengue Fever is a reportable disease and that all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territory-wide are required to report any such cases to: 773-1311, Ext. 3241. To report large pools of stagnant water, contact the Environmental Health Division on St. Croix at (340) 773-1311, Ext. 3109 and on St. Thomas at (340) 774-9000, Ext. 4641 or dial 715-5111.

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