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>Oranjestad:--- In 2014, 25 countries in the Caribbean had recorded cases of chikungunya. Chikungunya is caused by the same vector as dengue fever, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The circulation of these two viruses has proven itself to be a serious health challenge in the Caribbean. Sint Eustatius is currently working to build its capacity to prevent and control these diseases.

For two weeks, Dr. Joe Wagman, a vector biologist and public health consultant from the Belize Vector Biology Center (BVBC), is visiting the island to assist in developing an early warning system to predict outbreaks. Dr. Wagman was invited to the island by Dr. Teresa Leslie of the Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation (ECPFH).

There are currently no vaccines to prevent these viruses and treatment also has its challenges. "To fight these diseases, community involvement is important. In addition to this we must have input from other departments and interested local, regional and global stakeholders" Leslie says.

Working Together

Assisting the public health department vector control unit in its efforts are Hannah Madden (STENAPA), Andre Brissett (Public Works) and Johan Stapel (Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute). It is important to have a collaborative approach combining practical and scientific knowledge." Leslie says.

Leslie is a consultant for the Sint Eustatius public health department and is charged with developing effective strategies to aid in combating infectious diseases. "The problem with many of these diseases is that they are caused by environmental agents and most symptoms are cross reactive. In other words based on clinical symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish them from each other" Leslie says.

Another member of this team is the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands who is currently gathering data on all terrestrial and marine biodiversity on Sint Eustatius. According to Leslie "The information gathered from this survey can assist in identifying which vectors exist on the island. Knowing what vectors are present can allow us to predict which agents may
potentially circulate."

Knowledge Transfer

Dr. Joe Wagman, understands the significance of knowledge transfer. "Working in this collaborative capacity we have the opportunity to facilitate a practical knowledge exchange transfer within the region while laying the groundwork for more large term research activities. Its exciting on several different levels" Wagman states.

Dr. Johan Stapel is also quite pleased with his institutes role in the project. "The Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) at St Eustatius is a facility that fosters scientific curiosity and supports scientific research, capacity building, knowledge development and dissemination, addressing issues and questions relevant to the sustainability of tropical small island economies". Stapel continues stating that "the prevention and control of infectious disease is something that is very important. CNSI is excited about engaging in these discussions and networking opportunities with relevant institutions in the Caribbean and beyond that can work to improve the public's health".

Dengue and chikungunya are vector borne diseases that are spread via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are a range of other viruses, bacterias and parasites that have different vectors that may potentially be introduced, or are currently circulating on the island. Improving surveillance is the first step toward prevention and control.

(For more information contact, Teresa Leslie, \n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )