Oct. 31, 2007 — The Environmental Health Division of the Health Department will begin fogging in neighborhoods across the territory in the wake of recent heavy rains.
Fogging will begin from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Health Commissioner Vivian I. Ebbesen-Fludd announced, according to a Health Department news release.
"Health officials urge residents with asthma and other respiratory problems to take the necessary precautions, such as keeping windows closed, to ensure that their health is not compromised," the release said.
The department will routinely conduct fogging following heavy downpours because of the inherent increase in the mosquito population.
"Heavy rains mean there will be an increase in mosquito breeding, and we want to do all that we can to keep that population down to lower the risk of there being dengue fever-causing mosquitoes," Ebbesen-Fludd said, according to the release.
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which can breed in man-made receptacles. Residents are reminded to check their yards after heavy rains for receptacles that could hold water. Residents should empty out flowerpot bases, keep barrels tightly sealed and place a screen or mesh over the overflow pipe of cisterns. Tires, which also collect water, should be kept in a dry place, Ebbesen-Fludd said.
The fogging schedule is as follows:
St. Croix
Tuesday, Nov. 6: Estates Williams Delight and Whim
Wednesday, Nov. 7: Estates Clifton Hill and Barren Spot
Thursday, Nov. 8: Estates Glynn and Mon Bijou
St. John
Sunday, Nov. 11: Cruz Bay and Coral Bay
St. Thomas
Tuesday, Nov. 6: Bournfield, University of the Virgin Islands, Lindbergh Bay, Black Point Hill and Estate Pearl
Wednesday, Nov. 7: Fort Mylner, Bovoni, Bolongo Bay and Nadir Hill
Thursday, Nov. 8: New Tutu, Tutu Valley, Hidden Valley and Anna's Retreat
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