First Case of Dengue Fever Reported in the Territory
Posted by Eunice Bedminster on June 2, 2010 at 4:21 PM AST

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.

Read the full Public Health Alert | Alerta en Español

Environmental Health Enforcement Officer Stevie Webster points to discarded tires that could be breeding grounds for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that transmits the Dengue Fever virus. Holes should be punched in tires so water cannot accumulate.

In issuing the public health alert, the commissioner 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.”