The Virgin Islands community should work together to fight the spread of chikungunya and dengue, mosquito-borne viruses that pose a serious threat to the territory’s health and economy. To that end, preventive measures are crucial.
Though reliable statistics are hard to come by, government estimates suggest that hundreds of residents have contracted one or both of the viruses in recent months. And considering that many people probably don’t seek treatment, the number of cases could be in the thousands.
Though dengue outbreaks are nothing new in the VI, chikungunya arrived in the Western Hemisphere just last year, and the first cases in the territory were reported in January. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly throughout much of the Caribbean, and by all indications it is here to stay.
Experts agree that the most important preventive measure for chikungunya and dengue is mitigating the spread of the Aedes mosquitoes that spread the viruses. To that end, the most effective step is eliminating standing water, where these insects lay their eggs.
This is where the community comes in: All residents should inspect their homes, yards and businesses regularly to ensure that they are free of containers that might collect water. This means emptying pots, buckets and other similar objects, and disposing of derelict vehicles, old tyres and garbage.
As usual, the Environmental Health Unit has dispatched inspectors to examine properties, educate residents and make recommendations. We hope that this programme continues, and that it will expand if necessary throughout the rest of the rainy season.
Though many residents have called for more fogging, health officials here and abroad say that this approach has a minimal effect in eradicating Aedes mosquitoes: It kills only adult insects, leaving their larvae to hatch.
Other solutions, however, are worth considering. Brazil and other countries have recently released mosquitoes infected with a dengue-blocking bacteria with the hope that they will breed with the local mosquito population. A similar approach here might serve this territory well, though we caution that it should be undertaken only after careful study.
Meanwhile, neighbourhood initiatives would be most welcome. A weeklong cleanup was held recently in Jost Van Dyke, where chikungunya was first reported in the VI. We hope to see similar efforts in other communities around the territory.
Residents should also educate themselves about each virus. Though dengue and chikungunya cause similar symptoms — including high fever, joint pain, headaches and rash — they are different in some crucial respects.
Dengue, for example, can escalate to deadly haemorrhaging in a small percentage of cases. Knowing the signs of this escalation can save a life. Chikungunya, on the other hand, is very rarely fatal, but it can lead to long-term adverse effects such as joint problems. A proper diagnosis is therefore important in every case, even though the tests are relatively expensive.
Besides taking a toll on public health in the territory, the viruses adversely affect the economy by causing a loss of productivity. And if the problem isn’t contained, it could become a serious threat to the delicate tourism industry.
The viruses, then, are everyone’s problem, and we urge everyone to be part of the solution.
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