Dengue outbreak in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent further transmission of dengue as the number of cases rise on St. Croix.
To date, for 2025, 15 cases of dengue have been reported in the Territory, all on the island of St. Croix, according to Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist for the VI Department of Health. The cases consist of samples from St. Croix Prohealth, Juan F. Luis Hospital and Frederiksted Health Care Inc.
“Yes, this is an outbreak,” Dr. Ellis told local media.
“We are once again strongly urging residents to take steps now to prevent wider transmission,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said on Wednesday. “Remove standing water from around your home, repair your window screens if there are holes or tears, and use mosquito repellent when outdoors. These simple steps significantly reduce the risk of dengue.”
The VI Department of Health has mobilized teams in the St. Croix district to inspect schools, apply larvicides in high-risk zones, and to educate schools on preventing mosquito bites and controlling breeding sites.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in rainy conditions, transmits the dengue virus from person to person.
The virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening.
The most common symptoms of dengue include fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or rash. These symptoms usually last two (2) to seven (7) days, and most people recover within a week. Rest and acetaminophen or Tylenol for fever relief are recommended, however, aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided.
Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer for the VI Department of Health, is advising the public to see their healthcare provider, if experiencing symptoms of dengue.
”It is important to tell your provider the exact onset of symptoms, so they perform the appropriate test to avoid false negative results. This is the only way we can accurately track the rate of dengue in our community,” said Dr. Hunte-Ceasar.
Dr. Ellis added that the numbers on St. Croix are under-estimating the true dengue burden. “I encourage residents to get tested for dengue if you have symptoms,” she said.
Infants, pregnant women, and those with previous dengue infections are at higher risk for severe dengue. Some may develop severe dengue which typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides and includes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue. If these symptoms arise, seek emergency medical attention immediately.