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Dengue Cases on the Rise: Health Officials Urge Vigilance Amid Caribbean Outbreaks

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Health authorities in the Virgin Islands are sounding the alarm over a noticeable uptick in dengue fever cases, with some patients requiring hospitalisation due to severe symptoms. Though the number of cases has yet to reach epidemic levels, officials remain on high alert as outbreaks continue to plague neighboring Caribbean countries.

National Epidemiologist Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah emphasised the need for continued vigilance. “The current number of cases remains below the epidemic threshold,” she noted, “but public health officials are closely monitoring the situation.”

The Virgin Islands’ Surveillance and Vector Unit has been particularly vigilant, tracking the spread of the disease locally. The ongoing concern stems from the proximity of outbreaks in nearby countries, which could easily influence local conditions.

Entomologist Ms. Camille White expressed grave concern over the mosquito population in affected areas. “Each residential assessment of locally affected persons has identified multiple breeding sites positive for the larvae or pupae of Aedes mosquitoes,” she reported. “These breeding sites are primarily found in containers like barrels, buckets, tires, plant pots, and gallon bottles.”

Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, poses a significant health risk to the region. These mosquitoes, endemic to the Virgin Islands, transmit the virus to humans through their bites. Symptoms of dengue include fever, severe headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, and joint pain. Severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications, such as bleeding, that require intensive medical care.

Particularly vulnerable are children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Health authorities warn that these groups are at a higher risk of developing severe dengue, which may necessitate hospitalization.

In response to the rising number of cases, the Ministry of Health and Social Development is urging residents to take proactive measures to control mosquito breeding. The recommended steps include:

  • Eliminating standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s crucial to remove any sources around the home, such as in flower pots, buckets, containers, tires, or clogged gutters.
  • Checking roof gutters and drains: Ensuring these are not blocked to prevent water accumulation.
  • Cleaning containers: Regularly scrubbing and cleaning drains and containers to remove mosquito eggs.
  • Proper disposal of debris: Getting rid of garbage like soft drink cans, empty bottles, boxes, and old tires.
  • Vegetation control: Trimming vegetation to reduce areas where mosquitoes can rest.
  • Personal protective measures: Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, especially at dusk and dawn, using insect repellent, and employing mosquito nets and screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

The Ministry is working tirelessly to curb the spread of dengue fever, but officials stress that public cooperation is essential. Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water and reduce mosquito breeding opportunities around their properties to help prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease.

 

 

Health

Karelynne Jimenez, Aiden Thompson Take Top Spots in Environmental Health Contest

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Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.

The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.

Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.

During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.

“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”

Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.

The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.

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Health

Mosquito Awareness Week: Virgin Islands Residents Urged to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases

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As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”

Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.

However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”

To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.

Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.

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Health

Virgin Islands Centenarian Receives First $10,000 Grant Under New Government Program

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Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.

This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.

“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.

He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”

The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:

  • Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years

  • Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years

  • Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years

  • Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years

  • Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years

  • Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years

  • Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.

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