USVI-On-Line

Just wondering if there are any local changes/updates regarding HDF and numbers of people affected with this devastating disease? Hopefully there are additional platelet supplies available for infusion. I think Hugo gave us the last info, if I'm not mistaken. STJ has had more than its share of problems plus two storms/tropical storm depressions to cope with! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

The latest update from the Virgin Islands Department of Health can be found at http://www.healthvi.org/dengue/ but it does not add much to information released in September. Mosquito spraying is being continued on each island.

I have not seen any recent reference regarding platelet availability.

In my opinion, this continues to be a time to practice diligent bite prevention, to know the symptoms of this fever, and to seek medical attention if those symptoms occur. Dengue Fever is always around, so good attention to bite prevention is important all the time.

The St John resident diagnosed with HDF while in the US was able to continue on with vacation after medical care.

I wanted to Bump this up as I see many members are going to be on St.John soon. The most recent rains from Otto should have many mosquitos hatching soon. PLEASE wear a good repellent, and have a fun and safe trip.

Thaks for the reminder! Does anyone have suggestions for choices of effective mosquito repellant other than one with Deet or is this the best one?

sandollar wrote:Thaks for the reminder! Does anyone have suggestions for choices of effective mosquito repellant other than one with Deet or is this the best one?

These are the best sources I have found relative to your question.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnil ... ellent.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnil ... pdates.htm


Basic information on Dengue from
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/ ... fever.aspx

Four immunologically related, single positive-stranded RNA viruses known as dengue viruses (DENV-1 through DENV-4) of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, are responsible for causing dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Infection with one DENV produces lifelong immunity against reinfection with that one virus and short-term (≤9 months), partial cross-protection against the other three dengue viruses. An individual may be infected up to four times during his or her lifetime.

Transmission occurs from the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti (rarely Aedes albopictus) mosquito. Mosquitoes first become infected with DENV by feeding on the blood of a dengue-infected person. After the virus replicates for 8–12 days in the mosquito, the mosquito can transmit DENV to many other people.

The bite of one infected mosquito can result in infection. The risk of being bitten is highest during the early morning, several hours after daybreak, and in the late afternoon several hours before sunset, because the female mosquito typically feeds (bites) during these hours. However, mosquitoes may feed at any time during the day.

Although I haven't seen any recent figures, working just from word -on -the-street, there has been at least a lull in DHF here on St. John. I have not heard of any new cases since September, and though there are PLENTY of mosquitoes right now, I haven't seen any Aedes mosquitoes in my highly scientific swat and examine surveys.

Aedes Egypti are the ones with the black and white striped legs -- right??
If I use the electric paddle I lose evidence -- but if I am reading and catch them in the pages I can look.

Please tell if there is a way to identify that specific mosquito. This worries me, with a trip coming up in a couple of weeks. It's good to know, even if I plan to kill any mosquito trying to bite me .