Oct. 1, 2008 — Territory-wide fogging will begin Tuesday in an attempt to control mosquitoes during the rainy season, according to the V.I. Department of Health.
"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," said Health Commissioner Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd, according to a news release from the department.
Fogging will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 7 – 9 on St. Thomas and St. Croix and from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12 on St. John. The department will conduct fogging routinely following heavy downpours, the release said.
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.
Health officials also urge residents with asthma and other respiratory problems to take precautions, such as keeping windows closed to ensure that their health is not compromised, the release said.
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