No New Cases Of Zika This Week, But Four New Cases Of Dengue; Health Officials Say

ST. CROIX — There were no new cases of the Zika virus in the territory this week, Department of Health has said, citing its latest Zika surveillance report. The total confirmed Zika cases remain at 12, 11 of which are in St. Croix and one in St. Thomas. The department did confirm four new cases of dengue, however.

“The Department of Health continues to test pregnant women without symptoms of Zika. As of this week, 402 samples have been received from pregnant women, of those 162 have tested negative. Four pregnant women have been confirmed with dengue. No cases of Zika have been confirmed in pregnant women,” said D.O.H. Commissioner Nominee Dr. Michelle Davis.

According to the release, pregnant women are at higher risk of severe complications from dengue fever, and any pregnant woman experiencing symptoms should see their healthcare provider for evaluation. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, or aspirin-containing drugs until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. In particular, pregnant women who have a fever should be treated with acetaminophen (Paracetamol or Tylenol®.) People infected with Zika, chikungunya, or dengue virus should be protected from further mosquito exposure during the first few days of illness to reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.

“Mosquito control efforts are also in progress around the homes of pregnant women in the Virgin Islands. Pregnant women who have been tested for Zika virus are eligible for a free inspection as part of our mosquito control and Zika management program. These inspections and any needed treatments are being provided free-of-charge to eligible homeowners. Representatives from CDC and Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) are in the process of contacting homeowners to schedule free home inspections. These inspections do not mean that a positive Zika test result has been confirmed,” said Deputy D.O.H. Commissioner Kimberly Jones.

D.O.H. also reminded pregnant woman that Zika prevention kits are still available for free at multiple locations across the Virgin Islands. As of this week, 162 kits have been distributed.  The kits include educational materials in English and Spanish, EPA-registered insect repellent, permethrin spray repellent for treating clothing, condoms to avoid sexual transmission of Zika, a thermometer for women to screen themselves for symptoms, treatment tabs for preventing mosquitoes from breeding in standing water, and a bed net.

For local information about Zika virus, call the Department of Health Emergency Operations Center at (340) 712-6205. For more general information about the Zika virus call toll free: 1-800-CDC-INFO.