The Health Department will begin fogging neighborhoods to kill mosquito larvae the second week of January. Health will also be treating water sources that hold mosquito eggs or larvae with larvicide to kill off the immature mosquitoes before they become flying mosquitoes, Health Commissioner Darice Plaskett said in a statement Monday.
Health opted to select fogging because it is deemed more environmentally friendly and more effective in controlling Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes than other methods, Plaskett said.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the female Aedes Aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes live in and around houses and buildings and are active during the daytime. They lay eggs around where people live in containers that hold water. These include old tires, plant containers, empty drums and even food containers for animals.
Fogging helps to kill off the increase in mosquito population that normally comes with heavy rains but residents are reminded that fogging by itself does not effectively reduce the risk of Dengue transmission.
To reduce the risk of infection, Health recommends avoiding mosquito bites by:
– closing windows and doors without screens; repair or install screens;
– Wear clothing that protects you from mosquito bites (long sleeves, long pants, closed shoes, hats);
– Apply insect repellent only to exposed skin or clothing, follow product instructions carefully. Do not use repellents on babies less than 2-months-old;
– Protect infants: cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with cotton mosquito netting at all times, day and night, both inside and outside of your home. Dress babies in loose cotton clothing that covers arms and legs;
– Empty water out of old drums, tires, plants in water, plastic containers and other items that are not being used. Turn outdoor containers upside down when not in use to prevent water collection or drain them weekly;
– Make sure your cistern is tightly covered so that mosquitoes cannot get inside and lay eggs;
– Place fish in stored or standing water that cannot be drained or emptied easily. Small fish eat mosquito larvae;
– Repair broken septic tanks and cover vent pipes with wire mesh.
Those concerned about exposure to the fogging chemicals should stay indoors and close windows from 6 to 9 p.m., when fogging is being conducted, Plaskett said.
Residents can help by contacting the Environmental Health Division at 773-131 ext. 3109 on St. Croix and 715-5111 in the St. Thomas-St. John-Water Island district, to report standing pools of water near their homes and in their communities that cannot be emptied by residents and that may benefit from larviciding.
Doctors and other health care providers are required by law to report suspected cases of Dengue to the Health Department using the V.I. Notifiable Disease Form, which can be submitted via confidential fax at 713-1508. Copies of the form, which have been distributed to health care providers, can also be found on the home page of www.healthvi.org under Forms and Applications.
St. Croix will be fogged between Jan. 8 and 10. Neighborhoods scheduled for Jan. 8 are Williams Delight, Whim, Campo Rico, Hannah’s Rest, Mars Hill, Smithfield and Stony Ground. Neighborhoods scheduled to be fogged Jan. 9 are Mon Bijou, Glynn, Castle Burke, Grove Place, Upper Love, Lower Love and Colquhoun. Jan. 10 will see fogging for La Grande Princess, Little Princess, Little Princess Hill, Rattan, Queens Quarter, Estate Ruby and Diamond Ruby.
St. Thomas and St. John will be fogged Jan. 15-17.
On Jan. 15, fogging is scheduled for Bournefield, the University of the Virgin Islands, Lindberg Bay, Black Point Hill, Estate Pearl, Fortuna and Bordeaux. On Jan. 16, fogging is scheduled for Fort Mylner, Tutu Valley, Hidden Valley, Anna’s Retreat, New Tutu, Smith Bay and Red Hook. Cruz Bay and Coral Bay will be fogged Jan. 17.
