The Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division will continue fogging this week in the aftermath of increased rains territory-wide, according to a press release from Health Commissioner Julia Sheen.
DOH routinely fogs following heavy rains because of the inherent increase in the mosquito population and to help lower the risk for dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
“Residents should understand that fogging alone does not kill off the mosquito that transmits dengue,” Sheen said. “Moreover, fogging too soon following rains is ineffective as mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and it takes at least two weeks for those eggs to hatch.”
The fogging will be conducted in phases – at times alternating between both districts – from 6-9 p.m. beginning Thursday, Aug. 5, through Aug. 13. Additional schedules will follow throughout the hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.
St. Croix
6-9 p.m. – Thursday, Aug. 5 – Downtown Christiansted and East End areas; William’s Delight, Whim, Campo Rico, Hannah’s Rest, Smithfield, Mars Hill and Stony Ground
6-9 p.m. – Friday, Aug. 6 – Mon Bijou, Glyn, Castle Burke, St. George, Grove Place, Upper Love, Lower Love and Colquohoun
St. Thomas
6-9 p.m. – Monday, Aug. 9 – Contant; Lindbergh Bay, Magens Bay, Coki Point; Nazareth, Smith Bay; Anna’s Retreat, Bovoni, Bolongo Bay, and Nadir Hill
St. John
6-9 p.m. – Wednesday, Aug. 11 – Cruz Bay and Coral Bay
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which can breed in man-made receptacles such as flower pots, pet dishes, and in areas of abandoned vehicles and tires where water can collect.
Health officials continue to urge residents to scour their yards after heavy rains and empty out receptacles that hold stagnant water. Residents can report large pools of stagnant water to the Environmental Health Division in the St. Croix district at 773-1311, ext. 3109 or in the St. Thomas-St. John district at 774-9000 ext. 462 or dial 715-5111.
The commissioner also reminds healthcare providers that dengue fever is a reportable disease, and all medical agencies, clinics and private physicians territory-wide are required to report any such cases to DOH epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull.
Residents with asthma and other respiratory problems, or individuals with compromised immune systems, are urged to take the necessary precautions, such as keeping windows closed, to ensure that their health is not compromised when fogging is conducted in their neighborhood.
