Health Commissioner Issues Annual Dengue Prevention Alert

Health Commissioner Julia Sheen reminds residents that June 1 is the start of the hurricane season and this means increased downpours, as the Territory has experienced recently, can make certain areas near the home a haven for mosquito breeding and place residents at risk for Dengue Fever.

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

The hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, 2010, and Sheen said that residents can help their community and the Health Department stop the spread of Dengue Fever by doing basic things:

• Keep tires in dry place 

• Put plants that are currently in water, into soil. Empty flowerpot bases weekly

• Keep 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

• 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

Commissioner Sheen is urging healthcare providers to be vigilant about reporting suspected cases. Dengue Fever is a reportable disease and all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territory-wide are required to report any such cases to: Epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull via secure fax at 713-1508 or calling 713-1311, 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.