Dengue

Dengue is considered an endemic illness, as the mosquito transmitters reproduce year-round, with the highest reproduction rate occurring during the annual hurricane season.  In 2003, 470 cases of classic dengue, and 423 cases of hemorrhagic dengue were registered in July alone.  The disease could easily become a major problem if appropriate control measures are not taken, considering the wide range of people affected, as well as the number of undiagnosed and un-hospitalized cases that occur. 

Steps have been taken by sanitation authorities to initiate prevention and information campaigns, and larvacides have been distributed for use in the water supply.  The ultimate goal is to considerably reduce the reproduction of the transmitter mosquitoes, and future steps include the spraying of insecticide in streets throughout the state.