It is the season for diseases spread by mosquitoes, and the Virgin Islands Health Department encourages everyone to get vaccinated this October to protect themselves from chikungunya.
This advice follows a recent increase in dengue cases in the area, highlighting the need to guard against illnesses carried by mosquitoes, according to a release from the department.
Chikungunya is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can lead to severe joint pain and swelling, muscle pain, headache, fever, rash and fatigue. The chikungunya vaccine, called IXCHIQ, is approved for use in adults 18 years and older and is given as a single dose, the press release stated.
“Vaccination is a crucial step in protecting our community from chikungunya,” said V.I. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “With the increase in dengue cases, we must remain vigilant and ensure we are doing everything we can to safeguard our health.”
The chikungunya vaccine will be available at the Health Department’s Community Health Clinics throughout October. The department encourages everyone, especially those who are at higher risk or frequently outdoors, to take advantage of this vaccination initiative, the release stated.
The chikungunya vaccine will soon be available at the V.I. Health Department’s Community Health Clinics at the following locations:
- St. Croix – Second Floor, former Caribe Home Center Building, in Castle Coakley. Vaccination is available Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For more information about vaccine availability, call 340-712-0131.
- St. Thomas – Second Floor, Schneider Regional Medical Center, Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 340-774-7477.
According to Dr. Esther Ellis, territorial epidemiologist, dengue cases continue to increase steadily, particularly in St. Thomas-St. John district. “With the community already facing a dengue outbreak, the availability of the chikungunya vaccine is a timely opportunity to bolster public health and prevent further illness.”
The USVI Epidemiology Division’s dashboard reports an increase in dengue cases. To date, 135 cases have been reported – 96 on St. Thomas, 37 on St. John and two on St. Croix, the release stated.
For more information on chikungunya, visit www.cdc.gov/chikungunya.
