Oct. 20, 2007 — Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd urged travelers to Puerto Rico to seek immediate medical care if they fall ill after returning to the Virgin Islands.
Puerto Rico health officials are grappling with a wide outbreak of Dengue fever. Epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull said
there have been more than 25,000 suspected cases to date.
Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint and muscle pain. A rash may appear three to four days after the fever begins and nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are also common. On rare occasions, it can lead to death.
The outbreak in Puerto Rico is the Dengue 3 strain of the virus, which is cause for concern, Dr. Tull said.
"Dengue 3 is a concern because most people in the Virgin Islands would be susceptible since it has not caused disease in the Virgin Islands before," Dr. Tull said. "Infection with a particular type of Dengue produces immunity to that type."
Dr. Tull said that currently, the Dengue 3 virus makes up 60 percent of the cases on Puerto Rico.
Dengue fever is a reportable disease by law and Ebbesen-Fludd is urging all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territory-wide to report any such cases to the Health Department by calling (340) 773-1311, ext. 3241.
"We want to do everything that we can in averting an epidemic which would most certainly occur if Dengue 3 were to sneak into the Virgin Islands undetected," Ebbesen-Fludd said. "We can only know if people alert us and if the doctors caring for these individuals alert us."
Ebbesen-Fludd said residents should make sure their homes, yards and entire neighborhoods are not havens for mosquito breeding by covering up water containers, frequently emptying out plant containers, changing the water used in vases often, emptying and cleaning water bowls used for pets, and keeping areas free of old tires and junked vehicles which can collect water.
Residents can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellents such as DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, and use mosquito nets when possible, Ebbesen-Fludd said.
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