U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – With measles cases across the US now more than 1,000 and 14 active outbreaks confirmed, the VI Department of Health is ramping up efforts to prevent a local outbreak by urging unvaccinated families to reconsider their decision.
More than 50 percent of USVI children under the age of six have not received the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“We are very concerned about measles reaching our shores, especially as individuals and families travel to and from the US Virgin Islands for summer vacation,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “This is a critical time to take preventative action.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most recent measles update indicated 1,001 confirmed measles cases across 31 states. Approximately 96 percent of those cases are individuals who are unvaccinated, and 30 percent are children under the age of five. Three deaths have been reported – two children and one adult.
On Friday, the VI Department of Health’s Immunization Division mailed approximately 500 letters to parents and guardians who had previously requested and received exemptions from routine childhood vaccinations. The letter, signed by Commissioner Encarnacion, strongly encourages families to take immediate steps to protect their children by vaccinating them against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and unvaccinated children are at significant risk of becoming seriously ill if exposed,” Commissioner Encarnacion stated in the letter. “We are deeply concerned by the growing number of cases on the mainland and want to prevent a similar outbreak here in the Virgin Islands.”
The letter outlines the dangers of measles infection, including complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling or encephalitis, hearing loss, and even death. It emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97 percent protection against measles and is considered both safe and effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Health officials stress that unvaccinated individuals not only risk their own health, but also the well-being of vulnerable members of the community—such as infants under one year of age, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
“Vaccination remains the best and most reliable defense we have,” said Commissioner Encarnacion. “We’re asking parents to act now, not just for their children, but for the health of the entire community.”
Parents with questions are encouraged to speak with their child’s provider or to call the VI Health Department’s Maternal Child Health Clinic at (340) 777-8804 in St. Thomas or (340) 712-0131 in St. Croix for information and assistance in scheduling vaccination appointments.
Reaching directly to parents is part of the department’s ongoing education campaign which includes information on radio, social media platforms and through dissemination of printed materials.
Additionally, in April, Commissioner Encarnacion activated the divisions of Public Health Preparedness and Immunization, working alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar and Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis, to begin preparing for a possible outbreak in the territory. Preparedness efforts include collaboration with healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers and hospitals.
For the latest updates on measles and other health advisories, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
