During Tuesday’s Government House briefing, Dr. Esther Ellis, the V.I. Health Department’s territorial epidemiologist reported that there are 138 confirmed cases of dengue across the territory, with the likelihood of even more cases. Other officials discussed the potential for inclement weather in the area, upcoming emergency alerts and procedures, as well as updates on SNAP benefits.
Dengue
Of the 138 cases, there are 97 confirmed on St. Thomas, 37 on St. John and St. Croix has four.
“The Aedes aegypti mosquito thrives in the current rainy weather conditions, making it crucial for residents to know how to protect themselves and prevent transmission,” Ellis said. The fever can “sometimes be life-threatening,” she added.
Dengue fever results from a bite by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can be found in the territory, especially around standing water. Symptoms are fever, eye, bone, joint and muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash.
Most people recover in about a week but severe dengue shows up a day or two after the fever subsides, Ellis said. Approximately one in 20 people who contract dengue will develop severe fever. The symptoms are severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, and extreme fatigue, and require immediate medical attention. Infants, pregnant women and those with previous infections are the most vulnerable.
Ellis told The Source later Tuesday that one person has been hospitalized with severe dengue and the V.I. Health Department records have been updated to reflect the change.
The V.I. Health Department (DOH) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and the Puerto Rico Health Department to combat the outbreak, especially in the St. Thomas-St. John District, Ellis said.
High-risk zones- more than five confirmed cases – include Smith’s Bay, Anna’s Retreat, Charlotte Amalie Estate and Bovoni on St. Thomas and Fish Bay on St. John. Teams will inspect residential areas, apply larvicides, try to control breeding sites and educate the public until Nov. 8.
Ellis also warned about another mosquito-borne illness — chikungunya. Symptoms include severe joint pain and swelling, headache, muscle pain, rash, fever and fatigue. It can be transmitted from human to human through an infected mosquito’s bite. The last upsurge was in 2014, and “we’re due an outbreak.” She recommended anyone who didn’t get the fever in 2014 should be vaccinated.
The free vaccine is available through October for adults 18 years and older, through the DOH. The single-dose vaccine is available at:
- St. Croix — Second Floor, former Caribe Home Center Building, in Castle Coakley. Vaccination is available Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, please call 340-712-0131.
- St. Thomas — Second Floor, Schneider Regional Medical Center, Monday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, please call 340-774-7477.
While there is little risk to Virgin Islanders and only 12 cases of H5N1 or Bird Flu, DOH is “closely monitoring,” and cases have been confirmed in the United States, Ellis said. So far, it has affected mostly dairy workers in California.
“No, we haven’t seen any cases in the V.I.,” she said, but DOH will keep the public updated.
VITEMA
Executive Director Daryl Jaschen, from the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency, warned Virgin Islanders, especially those living on St. Croix to continue to shelter from the extreme heat. He recommended wearing light clothing, staying inside during the hottest part of the day and consuming plenty of fluids. Workers should rest frequently in the shade and if heat stroke is suspected, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
With the approach of 94L, an increase in rip currents is expected towards the weekend, Jaschen said.
“The system is forecast to move generally westward and environmental conditions could become more conducive for gradual development by the middle or later part of the week. A tropical depression could form as it begins moving west-northwestward and approaches the Leeward Islands later this week. Anticipate strong thunderstorms and heavy rains to accompany this area as it passes through,” he said.
V.I. Human Services Department
Human Services Commissioner Avril George announced good news for families who hope to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Beginning Oct. 1, the gross income limit for Categorically Eligible SNAP households has been increased from 130 percent to 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
“This increase comes at a critical time when the cost of living is rising. More households will qualify for food assistance, meaning fewer families will have to choose between putting food on the table and meeting other essential needs,” George said. “This adjustment will impact thousands of families across the Virgin Islands.”
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.vi or DHS Facebook page, or call Family Assistance.
Other Announcements
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. held the first meeting of the V.I. Commission on Aging, mandated by the V.I. Legislature. The group will advocate for the territory’s seniors and was tasked by the governor with selecting leaders, creating bylaws and a budget, and other challenges.
Governor’s Council on Aging was mandated not just to limit advocacy but to think of activities to keep seniors engaged as well as create by-laws and a budget.
The DOH will host several breast cancer awareness events in October. The “Fearless” Breast and Prostate Cancer Walk and Trunk or Treat will kick off the events on Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at Emile Griffith Park on St. Thomas, followed by a Men’s and Women’s Health Fair on St. Croix on Oct. 27, at UVI and concluding with the Stomp Out Breast Cancer Walk with Juan F. Luis Hospital on Oct. 30 at 5.30 p.m. Visit Virgin Islands DOH on Facebook for more information.
Jaschen advised signing up for Alert VI to get warnings about hurricanes, earthquakes and other emergencies and public announcements. To sign up, text 89361 and 87844 to 340-713-1880.
Low-intensity earthquakes have been felt recently, and a worldwide earthquake drill will be held on Thursday at 10:17 am. “Drop, cover, and hold on” is the drill for the Great Shakeout, he said. Tsunami warnings will also be tested on Thursday.
St. John multipurpose center will reopen on Oct. 28 to provide DHS services, George said.
The Region 2 Headstart conference will be held Oct. 28 – 30 at the Westin Hotel on St. Thomas and 600 participants are expected, according to George.
