138 Reported Dengue Cases in USVI as Health Department Mobilizes with CDC and Puerto Rico to Combat Underreported Outbreak

The V.I. Dept. of Health announced Tuesday that it has launched an aggressive effort to combat the dengue outbreak currently impacting the territory, with a particular focus on the St. Thomas-St. John district. According to the release, the department’s Epidemiology Division is working in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Puerto Rico Department of Health’s Vector Control Unit to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne virus. Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis confirmed the mobilization of teams to tackle the outbreak. "In response to the outbreak, the Department of Health has mobilized teams in the St. Thomas-St. John District," she said. "These teams, in collaboration with the CDC and Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit, began working today to control the spread of dengue through community outreach and mosquito control efforts." The effort will focus on high-risk areas identified as Smith’s Bay, Anna’s Retreat, Charlotte Amalie Esta...