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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesDengue Fever Cases Continue into November

Dengue Fever Cases Continue into November

A total of 16 cases of dengue fever were reported so far in November, a month when the peak of dengue season is usually over. Health Department epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Morris said this month there were four caseson St. Thomas, seven on St. Croix and five on St. John.

Since those making the reports don’t adequately report locations, Morris said it’s hard to get a complete picture of where the cases are occurring.

Of the four cases on St. Thomas, one was at Cabrita Point but the other three had incomplete addresses.

On St. Croix, one was at Cotton Valley, one at Golden Rock, two at William’s Delight and three were missing address information.

St. John had better address reporting. The reports indicated there were two in Cruz Bay, two in Enighed and one in Bellevue.

Since January, 69 suspected and confirmed cases have been reported across the territory. Morris said there was one each in January, April and June, eight in July, 13 in August, nine in September, and 20 in October.

Those 69 cases include two reported from the mainland concerning people who visited the territory, Morris said.

The New York Times reported on Nov. 5 that growing numbers of tourists are returning from warm-weather vacation destinations with dengue fever. Dengue fever in nearby Puerto Rico has reached epic proportions.

Morris came on board in May to help the Health Department set up a dengue data reporting system. Since then, he’s worked to shift to an electronic data base and to improve reporting by doctors to give a more accurate picture of the territory’s dengue cases. However, not everyone suspected of having dengue goes to the doctor. Additionally some patients don’t want the extra expense of the blood test.

Morris said the territory has no public health laboratory, though he hopes to get one going sometime in the future. When the territory has a public health laboratory, testing is likely to increase, he said.

Morris is a firm believer in using insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin to keep the mosquitoes that carry dengue fever at bay.

He said the typical dengue patient is about 38 years old and that more females than males get dengue, but Morris said he suspects that’s the case because women’s clothing leaves more skin exposed than that worn by men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control website, dengue is caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. They are referred to as DENV 1, DENV 2, DENV 3 and DENV 4. The viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.

It is estimated that there are over 100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a more severe form of dengue infection. It can be fatal if unrecognized and not properly treated in a timely manner. It is caused by infection with the same viruses that cause dengue fever. With good medical management, mortality due to DHF can be less than 1 percent.

Efforts to get more information on dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever from the CDC were unsuccessful.

The Health Department’s website indicates that the best way to cut down the risk of dengue is to reduce the number of mosquitoes by eliminating the places where the mosquito lays her eggs. That includes containers that hold water in and around the home, pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes and covered water storage barrels. Look for standing water indoors such as in vases with fresh flowers and clean at least once a week.

The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes during the day and at night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use repellent on your skin while indoors or out. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. If available, use air conditioning.

If someone in the house has dengue, take extra precautions to prevent mosquitoes from biting the patient and going on to bite others. Sleep under a mosquito bed net, eliminate mosquitoes you find indoors and, as Morris suggests, wear repellent.

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