DOH Warns of Increased Dengue Risk with October Rainy Season, 
Releases Revised Fogging Schedule

Historically, October kicks off the rainy season in the Virgin Islands and coupled with the hurricane season, which does not end until November, residents can expect more of the downpours that were associated with Tropical Storm Otto.

As a result, Environmental Health officers began visiting communities this week that were designated as hot spots for Dengue, to treat stagnant pools of water. The method, called larvaeciding, prevents mosquito eggs from hatching and kills the young mosquitoes, also known as Larvae. Further, beginning Tuesday, October 19, 2010, Environmental Health staff will conduct spraying on the islands of St. John and St. Thomas, which the Department of Health (DOH) has determined is dealing with a Dengue outbreak. Mosquito abatement will also be conducted on Water Island.

DOH has increased its previously released scheduled dates for mosquito abatement and will alternately be spraying and fogging areas. Spraying, during daylight hours, is scheduled to begin by 10 a.m. on St. Thomas and by 12 p.m. on Water Island and St. John. Fogging will occur between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. 

Sheen said that residents will be alerted to any changes in the schedule and cautioned those with compromised immune systems to stay indoors and close windows at the times that the spraying/fogging is being conducted.

Sheen also reminds residents that they are their first protectors against acquiring Dengue Fever and should frequently empty containers that collect water around their homes. Residents should contact the Environmental Health Division at (340) 773-3107 on St. Croix and 715-5111 in the St. Thomas-St. John district to report stagnant pools of water near their homes and in their communities.

The Dengue Fever virus is transmitted by the female Aedes Aegypti which breeds in man-made containers and residents put themselves at risk if old tires, plant containers, empty drums and even food containers for animals are around the homes where water can collect and provide a breeding ground for the mosquitoes, Commissioner Sheen said.

"They should monitor those containers and empty them frequently," she said.

The following schedule, with increased dates, replaces the scheduled released in September.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
SPRAY/FOGGING SCHEDULE

October:

• Tuesday, October 12 - St. Croix - Larvaeciding

• Wednesday, October 13 - St. Thomas - Larvaeciding

• Thursday, October 14 - St. John - Larvaeciding

• Tuesday, October 19 – St. John Cruz Bay/Coral Bay (Spraying- Day)

• Tuesday, October 19 – St. Thomas East/North (Spraying- Day)

• Wednesday, October 20 – Water Island (Spraying-Day)

• Wednesday, October 20 – St. Thomas West/South (Spraying-Day)

• Thursday, October 21 – St. Croix East/North (Spraying- Day)

• Friday, October 22 – St. Croix West/South (Spraying –Day)

• Tuesday, October 26 - St. John Cruz Bay/Coral Bay (Fogging– Day)

• Tuesday, October 26 – St. Thomas East North (Fogging-Night)

• Wednesday, October 27 – Water Island (Fogging- Day)

• Wednesday, October 27 – St. Thomas West South (Fogging-Night)

• Thursday, October 28 - St. Croix - East/North (Fogging-Night)

• Friday, October 28 – St. Croix – West/South (Fogging-Night)

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