The East End community, Lower Estate, Huntum’s Ghut, Purcell Estate, Duffs Bottom, and Sea Cows Bay are among a few neighbourhoods that have been identified as areas of key concern as it relates to dengue fever in the Virgin Islands.
This was disclosed by Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael during a recent interview with 284 Media, as his department intensifies its campaign to combat the mosquito-borne illness.
During the interview, Michael highlighted that the Environmental Health Division has resolved previous issues affecting their vector control machinery.
He said the department is now fully equipped and prepared to conduct various exercises to combat the spread of adult mosquitoes in the affected areas.
To bolster the Environmental Health Division’s efforts, National Epidemiologist Harmonie Brewley-Massiah revealed that the Public Health Unit are uniting forces with the division, to engage with the community through targeted initiatives. This collaborative effort aims to increase awareness and encourage preventative measures within the affected communities.
The first of these initiatives will take place in the East End community on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Francis Lettsome Primary School.
Brewley-Massiah noted that these sessions will provide valuable information on dengue prevention and mosquito control, and officials are urging residents to participate actively.
Health officials are calling on the public to take personal precautions and work with the authorities to help reduce the spread of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to eliminate stagnant water sources, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness around their homes.