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Rains across the territory and increased weather activity during hurricane season, which officially starts June 1, 2011, will mean an increase in the mosquito population, which may put residents at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever.
“We remind residents that they are their best protectors against dengue fever and that they should follow routine tips to lessen the risk or spread of the disease,” Acting Health Commissioner Fern P. Clarke said. “We also remind residents that Dengue symptoms mirror that of the flu so residents should seek immediate care if they fall ill.”
Meanwhile, the Public Health Preparedness Program kicked off its annual “Fight the Bite” education campaign, aimed at reminding residents that prevention is best as there is no cure for dengue. The radio ads, which began airing this week at a time when many are enjoying the St. Thomas Carnival, remind residents that “Rain Don’t Stop the Carnival, but Makes it Ripe for Dengue” and the precautionary measures they can take to protect themselves and their families.
DENGUE PREVENTION TIPS
Individuals and Families
- Use insect repellant containing DEET: apply to arms, legs, ankles, and nape of neck. Avoid eyes, lips, skin that is bruised or has a rash. Follow product instructions carefully
- Avoid applying insect repellant to children under 2 years of age and to the hands of older children
- Wear protective clothing: long sleeve shirts and long pants tucked into socks, clothing can also be sprayed with insect repellant.
The Home
- Replace or repair damaged screens. Close windows without screens or add new screens. Install door screens.
- Protect infants: cover cribs with cotton mosquito netting.
- Keep tires in dry place or punch holes in tires so that water easily leaks out.
- Put plants that are currently in water, into soil. Empty flowerpot bases weekly.
- Keep barrels where water is collected, tightly sealed.
- Cover or turn children’s toys or buckets that hold water upside down.
- Place a screen or mesh over the overflow pipe of your cistern
- For very large puddles of water around your home, call the Environmental Health Division on St. Croix at 773-1311, Ext. 3109 and in the St. Thomas-St.John and Water Island districts call 774-9000, ext. 3.
Symptoms mirror the flu and include
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nauseas and vomiting
A rash may also appear three to four days after the fever begins and in rare instances, can lead to death.
Clarke said that research shows that children and senior citizens are at higher risk for Dengue and that anyone who suspects they have Dengue Fever should seek medical attention promptly. The Department of Health has determined that Dengue Fever is a reportable disease and all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territorywide are required to report any such cases via secure fax at 713-1508.
The Department's Environmental Health (EH) Division, as necessary, will conduct larvaeciding of large areas of stagnant water, which kills off the eggs present in mosquito breeding grounds. EH staff will also conduct fogging in the coming weeks with schedules to be released accordingly. However, studies have determined that fogging alone is an inefficient way of preventing the transmission of the Dengue virus and Health officials urge residents to also take preventative measures.
“We urge residents to scour their yards for anything that collects water as it will provide a breeding place for mosquitoes,” Clarke said. “These containers should be emptied as frequently as possible.”
For very large puddles of water around the home or business, call the Environmental Health Division at 773-1311, Ext. 3107 or 3109 on St. Croix and 715-5110 on St. Thomas. |
