22 Aug 2024 | 03:21 PM UTC
US Virgin Islands: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially St. Thomas, in August
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in the US Virgin Islands in August. St. Thomas is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health officials have reported elevated dengue fever activity in the US Virgin Islands, with 106 total cases (84 confirmed) reported Jan. 1-Aug. 21. This is compared to only one confirmed case reported in 2023. St. Thomas and Water Island (61 confirmed cases) is the most affected, followed by St. John (17 confirmed cases) and St. Croix (1 case). Local health officials strongly urge residents to take steps to prevent wider transmission, including removing standing water from around their homes, repairing their window screens if there are holes or tears, and using mosquito repellent outdoors. This report represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 22.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6-16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
