Radio ads airing this week kick of the Health Department’s "Fight the Bite" campaign, aimed at educating residents about how to prevent against dengue as the hurricane and rainy seasons draw closer.
The spots were timed to coincide with St. Thomas Carnival celebrations and remind the public that "Rain Don’t Stop the Carnival, but Makes it Ripe for Dengue," according to a Tuesday Health release. The ads teach residents various precautionary measures, reminding them that "prevention is best," since there is no cure for the disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Last year, Health officials declared a dengue outbreak in the territory, with more than 60 reported cases, several dozen more suspected cases and at least one death from dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Dengue fever can be caused by four different viruses: Dengue 1, Dengue 2, Dengue 3 and Dengue 4. Last year, Health Epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull said Dengue 2 was what was circulating on St. Thomas and St. John. No cases on St. Croix were confirmed.
Symptoms of dengue include persistent headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. More complicated cases can result in hemorrhagic fever, which is characterized by high fever, bleeding and circulatory failure, which in rare instances can lead to death, according to a V.I. Health Department statement.
A rash may also appear three to four days after the fever starts.
"We remind residents that they are their best protectors against dengue fever and that they should follow routine tips to lessen the risk or spread of the disease," Acting Health Commissioner Fern P. Clarke said in Tuesday’s release. "We also remind residents that dengue symptoms mirror that of the flu, so residents should seek immediate care if they fall ill."
Individuals and families are urged to: use insect repellant containing DEET (applying to arms, legs, ankles, and nape of neck, while avoiding the eyes, lips, skin that is bruised or has a rash) and wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks. Clothes can also be sprayed with insect repellent.
Tips for the home include:
• replacing or repairing damaged screens;
• protecting infants by covering cribs with cotton mosquito netting;
• keeping tires in a dry place or punching holes in them so that water leaks out;
• putting plants currently in water into soil, and emptying flowerpot bases weekly;
• keeping barrels where water is collected tightly sealed;
• covering or turning over children’s toys or buckets that could hold water upside down; and
• placing a screen or mesh over the cistern overflow pipe.
For large puddles of water around the home, residents can call the Environmental Health Division on St. Croix at 773-1311, ext. 3109; and in the St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island district at 774-9000, ext. 3.
Environmental Health staff will also conduct fogging in upcoming weeks, with schedules soon to be released. According to the release, studies have determined that fogging alone is an "inefficient way of preventing the transmission" of the dengue virus.
Research shows that children and senior citizens are at higher risk for dengue and that anyone who suspects they might have dengue fever should seek medical attention promptly, according to the release. Dengue is a reportable disease and all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territory-wide are required to report any cases to a secure fax line at 713-1508.