Diseases in the VI ...
 
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Diseases in the VI not on the mainland

(@jtbayleee)
Posts: 65
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

Hi all,

I'm currently in school for my BS in Biology, and then on to PA school, and looking to move down there when all down. I was reading the post on Dengue and became interested in some of the other illnesses down there. Ciguatera was very interesting to read about, is there anything else that is common down there.

Thanks,
Jeff

 
Posted : September 26, 2010 2:26 pm
(@east-ender)
Posts: 5404
Illustrious Member
 

I believe that both dengue and ciguatera are found in the mainland US. They are subtropical-tropical diseases, though. Most common diseases here are hypertension and diabetes.

 
Posted : September 26, 2010 3:51 pm
(@Suzette)
Posts: 421
Reputable Member
 

I would say the most common disease here is alcoholism. 🙁

 
Posted : September 26, 2010 4:25 pm
(@roadrunner)
Posts: 593
Honorable Member
 

I would say the most common disease here is alcoholism. 🙁

Diabetes and hypertension would be in the running, too!

 
Posted : September 26, 2010 7:48 pm
(@Drlove)
Posts: 9
Active Member
 

Chlamydia.

 
Posted : September 29, 2010 6:23 am
(@Linda_J)
Posts: 3919
Famed Member
 

You need to do some research. Chlamydia is widespread and certainly not unique to the USVI.

 
Posted : September 29, 2010 12:25 pm
(@Ericw)
Posts: 277
Reputable Member
 

Chlamydia.

HAHAHAHA

 
Posted : September 29, 2010 1:17 pm
(@aquaponics)
Posts: 337
Reputable Member
 

Rock Fever!

 
Posted : September 29, 2010 7:43 pm
(@NugBlazer)
Posts: 359
Reputable Member
 

Island fever.

 
Posted : September 29, 2010 11:40 pm
antiqueone
(@antiqueone)
Posts: 389
Reputable Member
 

Centipiede stings, Rock fish stings, sea wasp stings, secondary and tertiary syphillis, TB, AIDS, contact dermatitis from manchineel trees, Child abuse, gun shot wounds.

 
Posted : October 2, 2010 1:20 pm
(@arson340)
Posts: 14
Active Member
 

I would say the most common disease here is alcoholism. 🙁

Self inflicted disorders are more commonly known as stupidity.

 
Posted : October 5, 2010 3:27 am
Bombi
(@Bombi)
Posts: 2104
Noble Member
 

Rashes from nettle grass and the sap of tan tan and there's the jelly fish stings. Reef rash when you get cut on the reef.

 
Posted : October 5, 2010 11:58 am
(@sugarlander)
Posts: 199
Estimable Member
 

Antiqueone got me wondering. What is a manchineel tree? So I looked it up:

The tree and its parts contain strong toxins. It will secrete a white milky substance during rainfall. Allegedly, standing beneath the tree during rain may cause blistering of the skin from mere contact with this liquid. Burning the tree may cause blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. The fruit can also be fatal if eaten. Many trees carry a warning sign, while others are marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger.

The Caribs used the sap of this tree to poison their arrows and would tie captives to the trunk of the tree, ensuring a slow and painful death. A poultice of arrowroot was used by the Arawaks as an antidote against such arrow poisons. The Caribs were known to poison the water supply of their enemies with the leaves. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was struck by an arrow that had been poisoned with Manchineel sap during battle with the Calusa in Florida, dying shortly thereafter.

I definitely will be avoiding this tree it in the future.

 
Posted : October 5, 2010 1:22 pm
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