Amid concerns over a dengue fever outbreak in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands Department of Health is urging residents to be vigilant in recognizing and responding to the symptoms of this mosquito-borne disease. The call to action follows the confirmation of three cases of dengue fever within the territory, sparking fears of a potential increase in cases.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion emphasized the critical need for public education on the similarities and differences between the symptoms of dengue fever and COVID-19. With both diseases presenting similar early symptoms, Encarnacion underscored the importance of early detection and appropriate medical consultation.

“Dengue and COVID-19 share early signs, but understanding and distinguishing the unique symptoms of dengue is crucial for timely and effective treatment,” Encarnacion stated. She outlined the typical symptoms of dengue fever as fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and pains in the eye, muscles, joints, or bones. These symptoms generally last from two to seven days, with most people recovering within a week.

The Health Commissioner provided guidance on managing dengue symptoms, advising against the use of aspirin or ibuprofen and recommending acetaminophen instead. She stressed the importance of seeking medical advice and undergoing a blood test if symptoms appear.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is most active at dawn and dusk, is identified as the primary carrier of the dengue virus. In light of the outbreak, residents are advised to eliminate standing water around their homes and use EPA-approved repellents to prevent mosquito bites and breeding.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has warned that severe dengue can develop in about 5% of cases, posing a higher risk to infants, pregnant women, and individuals who have previously contracted dengue. Symptoms of severe dengue, including abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and bleeding from the nose or gums, require immediate medical attention.

This advisory comes as Puerto Rico declares a state of emergency following a record 549 cases of dengue reported this year. The Virgin Islands Department of Health remains proactive in its efforts to prevent a similar surge in cases, advocating for community awareness and adherence to prevention measures.

In the US Virgin Islands, the battle against diabetes presents unique challenges, underscored by the local response to treatment options like Semaglutide, known commercially as Wegovy and Ozempic. These medications, which are increasingly popular for their weight loss side effects, have not seen widespread adoption in the territory, according to healthcare professionals.

Semaglutide, a weekly injectable medication for type 2 diabetes, enhances insulin production and lowers blood sugar. It’s also taken orally by prediabetic individuals to delay the onset of diabetes. Despite its benefits and growing fame—bolstered by celebrity endorsements like Oprah, who referred to it as a “maintenance tool”—the drug’s reception in the USVI has been lukewarm.

During a recent legislative discussion on diabetes management, Senator Marise James questioned the extent of Semaglutide’s use in the territory. Carlos Castillo, a nurse practitioner at the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence, revealed a surprising trend: many Virgin Islanders resist the weight loss that accompanies the medication. Castillo shared that while Semaglutide could lead to a 4-6% reduction in body weight, many locals prefer not to use it for fear of losing weight.

Another significant hurdle is the medication’s cost. Without insurance coverage, the price can soar to $1,200 monthly, making it inaccessible for some. This issue of affordability, alongside cultural attitudes towards weight and medication, contributes to the drug’s limited use.

The phenomenon of preferring natural remedies over prescribed medication and the reluctance to lose weight reflect broader cultural attitudes towards health, as noted by Julia Sheen, the executive director of the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence. Sheen stressed, however, that not all Virgin Islanders share this sentiment. The Center’s efforts in education, outreach, and diabetes management classes aim to promote healthier lifestyles and understanding of the link between weight control and diabetes management.

Despite the challenges, the commitment of the Virgin Islands Diabetes Center of Excellence to combat diabetes through comprehensive education and support programs remains unwavering. Their work illustrates the importance of tailored health interventions that respect cultural values while striving to improve outcomes for those living with diabetes in the territory.

The Juan F. Louis Hospital is grappling with financial strain, exacerbated by delays in receiving approximately $7 million in Medicaid reimbursements. Despite these setbacks, hospital staff continues to deliver care with unwavering dedication.

Chris Lewis, the Senior Vice President of Finance at the hospital, disclosed to legislators that full Medicaid payments have been absent since November. The hospital has engaged in discussions with the Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) office to identify and resolve the underlying issues. A technical glitch involving MAP and Gainwell, a Medicaid management system provider, has been pinpointed as the probable cause. A resolution is anticipated by mid-April.

Senator Ray Fonseca, chair of the committee, expressed concern that the shortfall in Medicaid funding could be contributing to the hospital’s growing pile of unpaid bills. Lewis confirmed the financial strain, stating that the lack of funds has necessitated delaying payments to many vendors. However, efforts are underway to mitigate the situation by pursuing other owed payments. The outstanding $7 million encompasses pending Medicaid reimbursements for both inpatient and outpatient services.

The financial predicament of the hospital has alarmed legislators. Senator Diane Capehart emphasized the urgency of the situation, insisting on aggressive measures to secure the owed funds, highlighting the significant impact on the hospital’s financial health.

Despite small payments being received, they fall short of addressing the hospital’s financial challenges. Lewis noted an increase in collections from commercial payers, yet the absence of consistent Medicaid payments, typically amounting to $1.2 to $1.5 million monthly, remains a critical issue.

CEO Dough Koch conveyed to lawmakers the hospital’s proactive stance, including holding an emergency meeting to confront the funding shortfall head-on. Koch emphasized the hospital’s commitment to collaboration and seeking solutions to ensure its operational and financial stability.

Senator Fonseca, acknowledging the hospital’s efforts, shared his deep concerns about the potential worsening of its financial situation, which could jeopardize the hospital’s ability to meet payroll and provide staff benefits. He pointed to a previous $2 million support to the Eastern Medical Center as a cautionary example of the risks of financial decline.

Koch acknowledged the challenging financial circumstances, mentioning that some vendors have extended grace periods for payments due to the hospital’s cash flow problems. He assured that every possible measure is being taken to navigate these difficulties.

Fonseca concluded with a commitment to engage further with the Office of Management and Budget and the Medicaid director, underlining the critical importance of securing the $7 million in outstanding Medicaid payments to stabilize the hospital’s finances.