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Health Commissioner Julia Sheen reminds residents to scour their yards for receptacles that may contain stagnant water because this can make certain areas near the home a haven for mosquito breeding and place residents at risk for Dengue Fever.
Sheen said that in the wake of increased rains and as part of ongoing mosquito abatement program, the Department’s Environmental Health Division will begin fogging territorywide September 23-24, 2010.
“While the communities known to be at risk for Dengue Fever are mentioned, fogging will also take place at nearby communities within the vicinity of those mentioned,” Sheen said.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever 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.
Sheen also reminds residents that the hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, 2010, and that they can help their community and the Health Department stop the spread of Dengue Fever by doing basic things:
- Keep tires in dry place (holes should be punched in discarded tires to keep from collecting water)
- 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
health care
providers are also reminder 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.
The fogging schedule is as follows:
St. Croix
6-9 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2010, at Estate Glen, William's Delight, Smithfield, Whim, Mars Hill, Campo Rico, Stony Ground, Hannah's Rest and Frederiksted Town
St. John
6-9 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2010, at Cruz Bay and Coral Bay
St. Thomas
6-9 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2010, at Fort Mylner, Bovoni, Bolongo Bay, Nadir Hill, Magens Bay.
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