The Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis has received information of an increased number of dengue fever cases in Trinidad and Guyana. Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, especially those traveling to or from affected countries are asked to be guided as follows:

There are no reported cases of dengue in St. Kitts and Nevis however since the Federation is in relatively proximity to affected areas, prevention and surveillance efforts must be given the highest priority.

Dengue fever is caused by dengue viruses which are transmitted from person to person via the bite of an infected Aedes Egypti mosquito. This mosquito has distinctive black and white stripes and a marking in the form of a lyre on the thorax. It originated in Africa but is now found in the tropics worldwide. It is not a swamp inhabitant but tends to live close to humans in any object that holds water.

Dengue mosquitoes tend to bite mainly during the daytime. Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain and a rash.

Persons may reduce the risk of contracting dengue by carrying out the following preventive measures:

l All containers that can collect water must be emptied or destroyed. This is the most effective way of stopping dengue. Pay particular attention to discarded tyres, coconut shells, cans, and flower pots.

l If necessary, apply insect repellent to the body but only after carefully reading of the instructions on the label.

l Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants during the day.

l Other effective measures are mosquito nets and window/door screens.

The mosquito's preferred breeding areas are in areas of stagnant water, such as flower vases, uncovered barrels, and buckets, but the most dangerous areas are wet shower floors and toilet tanks, as they allow the mosquitos to breed right in the residence. Research has shown that certain chemicals emanating from bacteria in water containers stimulate the female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. They are particularly motivated to lay eggs in water containers that have just the right amounts of specific fatty acids associated with bacteria involved in the degradation of leaves and other organic matter in water. The chemicals associated with the microbial stew are far more stimulating to discerning female mosquitoes than plain water, for example, or filtered water in which the bacteria once lived.

Contact your health care provider if there are questions or concerns. Persons seeking additional information about the control of mosquitoes may contact the Environmental Health Departments in both St. Kitts and Nevis.