Weekly briefing: Public health, tsunami preparedness, and policy updates

During the weekly briefing from Government House on St. Croix, Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, Department of Health officials, and VITEMA leadership addressed pressing public health concerns, emergency preparedness, and key policy updates affecting Virgin Islands residents.

Department of Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion and Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis provided updates on the spread of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) and the importance of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. Currently, the U.S. Virgin Islands has reported 255 cases of HFMD, with five cases on St. Croix and none on St. John.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a rash on the hands and feet. Supportive care, including hydration, over-the-counter pain relief (excluding aspirin and Tylenol), and baking soda gargles, is

recommended for those infected. More information is available at www.cdc.gov.

Commissioner Encarnacion emphasized the growing concern over a measles outbreak in the mainland U.S. and the need for increased vaccination rates in the territory.

Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. The current MMR vaccination rate in the USVI is between 44-60%, significantly lower than the 90% required for herd immunity.