In the last week, five new cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have been confirmed in the Virgin Islands, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 30, according to the Health Department.
Twenty-eight cases have been confirmed on St. Thomas, two on St. John and none on St. Croix. However, the department is investigating 389 suspected cases on St. Thomas, four on St. John and 22 on St. Croix, according to a Health Department fact sheet. Health said the Bovoni area of St. Thomas has experienced a concentration of cases.
Health’s territorial epidemiologist, Dr. Esther Ellis, said in a statement that “while there has been a cluster of confirmed cases recorded in the Bovoni area, other confirmed cases are noted to be dispersed throughout the island of St. Thomas.”
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms usually begin three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and include fever and severe joint pains, often in the hands and feet, according to Health.
There is no specific anti-viral treatment and care is usually supportive to ease symptoms, according to Health. On Thursday, the Caribbean Public Health Agency warned the Caribbean to be prepared for the “full impact” of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus eight months after the first case was detected, Health announced.
CARPHA Executive Director Dr. James Hospedales said that almost all CARICOM countries have now reported cases of the virus, according to a Health statement.
Dr. Marc Jerome, territorial medical director for the Health Department, said anyone who thinks they may have chikungunya should first seek medical care at a local health clinic to reduce any potential overburdening of the emergency rooms, according to a statement from Health.
Health advises you seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms:
– Neurologic symptoms including irritability, drowsiness, severe headaches, sensitivity to light;
– Chest pain, shortness of breath or persistent vomiting;
– Fever persisting for more than five days;
– Intractable severe pain, extreme weakness, cold extremities, cyanosis, decreased urine output and bleeding under skin or through any orifice;
– Women in the last trimester of pregnancy, newborns and persons with underlying disease or weakened immune system are most at risk for severe illness.
Health Commissioner Darice Plaskett said in a statement that the department continues to work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospital officials, health care providers and other agencies to raise awareness and prevent the spread of the virus. The department announced that it would intensify its public awareness efforts through public service announcements, radio and TV appearances, education in schools and other forums to get the message of control and prevention out to all residents.
The Epidemiology and Environmental Health Divisions are conducting follow-up investigation and surveillance in areas where confirmed cases have been recorded to help strengthen awareness and prevention in those areas, according to the Health statement. In recent weeks and over the weekend, the department’s environmental staff have been going into hotspots and neighborhoods to raise awareness, education and prevention, according to the statement from Health.
The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue viruses tend to live in and around houses and buildings so it is important to mosquito-proof your home by eliminating water sources that breed mosquitoes. Health conducts larviciding, a process that involves the treatment of water sources that hold mosquito eggs or larvae to kill off the immature mosquito before it becomes a flying mosquito, Plaskett said in the statement from Health.
“This method of mosquito control was chosen because it is more environmentally friendly and effective than fogging in controlling mosquito growth,” she said.
Residents can help to mitigate the spread of chikungunya by using the following prevention methods:
– Use insect repellents — repellents containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply repellent only to exposed skin or clothing, follow product instructions carefully. Do not use repellents on babies less than 2 months of age.
– Reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around your home by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets. 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.
– Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
– Wear clothing that protects you from mosquito bites (long-sleeved shirts and long pants). 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 leg.
– Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing.
Chikungunya is reportable by law and all confirmed or suspected cases must be reported to the Health Department using the Chikungunya Report Form. Forms should be submitted via confidential fax at 340-718-1508. Copies of the form, which have been distributed to health care providers, can also be found by visiting www.healthvi.org and downloaded under “Forms and Applications” via www.healthvi.org
For more information about chikungunya, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/prevention/index.html
