Health-Fitness — St. Croix
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DOH Reminds Residents to Guard Against Dengue Fever
June 1 commenced the official start of the hurricane season and with it comes increased rains that could provide breeding opportunities for mosquitoes, hence putting residents at risk for dengue fever, according to a press release issued on Friday by the V.I. Department of Health.
“Heavy rains bring with it the added risk of an increase in stagnant water; thus, old tires and any receptacle that can collect water should be emptied as frequently as possible as they provide breeding havens for mosquitoes,” said Acting Health Commissioner Fern P. Clarke.
Meanwhile, the Department’s Environmental Health Division will begin fogging in the St. Croix district on Monday, June 6, with a listing of neighborhoods in the St. Thomas-St.John-Water Island district to follow later. The schedules will recur throughout the hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.
Residents are reminded that fogging or spraying, which helps in the decrease of ‘nuisance’ mosquitoes outside, cannot be done during inclement weather. Further, fogging by itself has no impact on the spread of dengue as the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that cause dengue live in houses, close to humans, their source of protein. Thus, residents should be vigilant and spray dark areas such as closets to kill off these mosquitoes and follow these other tips:
- Keep tires in a dry place. Punch holes in them to make sure water drains out.
- Put plants that are currently in water, into soil. Empty flowerpot bases weekly.
- Cover or turn food containers for animals and buckets that hold water upside down.
- Repair or replace damaged screens; keep windows and doors without screens closed;
- Place a screen or mesh over the overflow pipe of cisterns.
- 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 to children under 2 years old and to the hands of older children.
According to Dr. Marc Jerome, District Health Officer, to date there have not been reports of suspected cases in the territory, and he urges healthcare providers to report such cases via confidential fax at 718-1508 via the VI Notifiable Disease Form.
“While there is no cure for dengue, the reports are essential for monitoring purposes and alerting the public so that dengue fever incidents do not become widespread,” he said.
Fogging Schedule
St. Croix
Monday, June 6, 6-9 p.m.
Solitude, Eliza Retreat Grape Tree Bay, Mt. Welcome, Tide Valley, Mt. Washington, All For the Better, Downtown Christiansted, Water Gut
Tuesday, June 7, 6-9 p.m.
Orange Grove, Estate Richmond, Princess Hill, Little Princess, La Grande Princess, Judith Fancy, Rattan, Queens Quarters, Estate Diamond, Baron Spot, Strawberry
Wednesday, June 8, 6-9 p.m.
Questa Verde, Catherine’s Rest, Work & Rest, Humbug, Beeston Hill, Constitution Hill, Annas Hope, Peters Rest, Sion Farm, Castle Coakley, La Reine, Kingshill
Thursday June 9, 6-9 p.m.
Estate Profit, New Works, Castle Burke, Mon Bijou, Grove Place, St. George’s, Paradise, Mount Pleasant, Calqohoun, Upper Love, Lower Love
Monday, June 13, 6-9 p.m.
Rohlsen Airport, Enfield Green, Williams Delight, Carlton, Two Williams, Whim, Campo Rico, Mars Hill, Hannah’s Rest, Stoney Ground, White Lady, Smithfield, Downtown Frederiksted, La Grange
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