According to a publication by the BVI Red Cross, the Red Cross donated 500 mosquito nets with DEET or citronella coating. It also donated 300 insecticide sprays.

The donation follows a September 2019 BVI News report of an increase of mosquitoes and dengue fever in the territory.

Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael told BVI News the donation is very important in helping the territory fight against the Aedes Aegypti mosquito and other mosquitoes in the BVI.

“We do have some cases of dengue fever in the BVI now, it is contracepting most Caribbean islands and the nets are important for the public to use. Given that the Aedes Aegypti mosquito bites during the day and there are people that take a nap during the day and early morning at dusk, they can use the nets to sleep under and protect themselves from mosquitoes,” Michael stated.

Protect yourself from being bitten

He further stressed on why it is important for persons who have dengue fever or exhibit symptoms of the virus to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito.

“You have to protect yourself from being bitten again by mosquitoes because you don’t want the mosquito to bite you, get the virus, then transmit the virus to members of your family. Secondly, you don’t want mosquitoes to bite you a second time and give you another type or strain of dengue,” Michael added.

Other prevention measures

While mosquito nets and insecticide sprays are ways to prevent the spreading of dengue fever in the territory, Michael also warned that there are other measures residents can use to ensure the spreading of the virus is reduced.

“The mosquito will not transmit the disease unless it gets the virus from an infected person who has dengue. So, anyone who is suspected of having dengue fever must protect themselves by using mosquito nets, wearing long sleeves and long pants.”

“Also, they have to eliminate the breeding places in and around the homes: cover water containers, get rid of containers that are not necessary, put mosquito guards on windows, doors and overflow pipes on cisterns,” Michael added.

Distribution of items

He also explained how the items will be distributed throughout the various communities in the BVI.

He said: “We will look at the communities that are infected by dengue fever and we will look at the communities that have high levels of Ades Aegypti mosquito infestation, and through community groups, we will distribute these nets.