The Galapagos National Park Service reported today that it had participated in an anti-Dengue fever community clean-up effort last week on the island of San Cristobal.  The effort had been organized by the Ministry of Health, in reaction to the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito on the island, which led to some cases of Dengue fever there last year.

Park service staff collaborated with bags, gloves, a vehicle and 15 rangers, who were part of several cleaning crews distributed by the city during the 5 hour effort that took place in the main town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

According to Wikipedia, Dengue fever is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.  Most people with dengue recover without any ongoing problems.

Typically, the risk of contracting Dengue fever is much higher in areas where other people already have it, because the mosquito can more likely transmit the virus as it bites more than one person in the course of its life cycle.   There is very little, if none at all, of contracting Dengue fever on uninhabited islands in Galapagos.   However, if you will be spending time in the town, the best strategy to reduce the risk is the use of long sleeve shirts and long pants and socks, along with the application of mosquito repellent.