The United States Virgin Islands Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division has launched a Dengue Hotline to provide residents with information on protecting against and preventing transmission of dengue, as cases continue to rise across the territory.
The hotline numbers are (340) 725-5389 and 340-774-7477 ext. 5647, available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Residents in hotspot zones on St. Thomas (Smith Bay, Charlotte Amalie, Anna’s Retreat, Nazareth, Hospital Ground) and St. John (Fish Bay) can also call to request mosquito control outside their homes. These efforts will continue through November 8.
The territory is currently experiencing a dengue outbreak. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, is thriving in the rainy season, making public awareness crucial. As of Friday, there were 150 reported cases of dengue across the territory: 102 in St. Thomas, 37 in St. John, and 11 in St. Croix, though additional cases may be unreported, according to Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist.
“We are very concerned by the rising cases,” said Dr. Ellis. “Our goal with the hotline is to empower residents with knowledge to protect themselves and prevent dengue transmission. We also provide information on hotspot areas, symptoms, and testing.”
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion urges the public to stay vigilant and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Establishing the hotline is part of the division’s broader outreach, initiated last week. In collaboration with the CDC’s Dengue Branch and the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit—where a dengue state of emergency is in effect—the VI Health Department has mobilized teams in the St. Thomas-St. John District to inspect residential areas, apply larvicides, and educate residents on preventing bites and controlling mosquito breeding sites.
Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes becoming life-threatening, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with prior infections. Symptoms may include fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash, typically lasting two to seven days. Rest and acetaminophen are recommended for fever relief, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.
The division urged citizens experiencing dengue symptoms, to consult their primary care doctor and get tested.
Severe dengue may develop 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides, characterized by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue. Emergency medical attention is required for these symptoms. To prevent mosquito bites, EPA-approved insect repellent must be used, long sleeves and pants must be worn, and standing water must be removed around your home.
Chikungunya vaccine availability
The Department also reminded the public that the chikungunya vaccine is available throughout October. Chikungunya, also mosquito-borne, causes symptoms like severe joint pain, swelling, muscle pain, headache, fever, rash, and fatigue.
The free, single-dose vaccine is approved for adults 18 and older. Vaccines are available at the following clinics, Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm:
- St. Croix: 2nd Floor, former Caribe Home Center Building, Castle Coakley.
- St. Thomas: 2nd Floor, Schneider Regional Medical Center.
For more information, citizens should call the St. Thomas clinic at (340) 774-7477 or the St. Croix clinic at (340) 712-0131. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointments are necessary.
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