Health authorities are advising residents to guard against mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding around their homes and property.

Director of Health Services Dr. Irad Potter says that the Ministry of Health has had no confirmed cases of dengue; however, there are several suspected cases that are being investigated.

Dengue virus, which causes a flu-like illness in infected persons, is spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito commonly found in the BVI.

“Blood samples have been sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) to confirm whether the suspected cases are dengue, and we are awaiting the results. Of the 14 samples sent, seven have been processed thus far and all have come back negative for dengue. We are still awaiting test results of other specimens which were sent within the month of October. The specimens will take at least four to six weeks to process. Persons suspected of having dengue are treated based on their clinical presentation by their doctor,” Dr. Potter said.

The Director of Health Services advised that due to the heightened awareness in the sub-region related to dengue, suspected cases are being investigated and followed up to rule out or confirm the presence of the virus.

Whether the reported cases are confirmed or not, health officials and Environmental Health officers are asking residents to survey their homes and business properties for broken screens and mosquito breeding sites in light of the dengue outbreaks in the region.

Israel is reminding residents that mosquitoes lay their eggs in water-bearing receptacles and the best way of reduce mosquito populations is dengue fever is to destroy all those places where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed more mosquitoes.

All unwanted containers should be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in the community dumpsters or at the Pockwood Pond Incinerator. 

In September, the Environmental Health Division issued an advisory putting residents and visitors of the BVI on high alert in response to dengue outbreaks in Puerto Rico and Guyana . 

Persons traveling between Puerto Rico , Guyana and the BVI are advised to pay close attention to the developing signs and symptoms of the disease.

Persons presenting with a high fever, headache, body pains or a rash should see a family physician or go to the nearest health centre or Peebles Hospital .

For further information and advice on how to control Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding, contact the Vector Control Unit of the Environmental Health Division at government extensions 5110 or 4965 for more information and advice. 

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