U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health is informing residents and visitors that there are currently no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that the risk to the Territory remains very low.
The Department continues to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal health partners, and international public health agencies regarding recent hantavirus activity reported outside of the Territory.
“At this time, there is no threat to the Virgin Islands community,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “There is no evidence of community transmission in the Territory, and the rodents associated with the current outbreak have not been identified in the United States or the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Hantavirus is a rare disease primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, and saliva. According to the CDC, the overall risk to the general public remains very low.
Out of an abundance of caution, the VI Department of Health has enhanced its ongoing infectious disease preparedness coordination with the Territory’s hospitals, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), territorial laboratories, and federal preparedness partners. These efforts are part of the Department’s year-round public health preparedness activities designed to ensure readiness for emerging health threats.
The Department noted that preparedness activities include healthcare coordination, infection prevention planning, training exercises, and public health monitoring efforts that strengthen the Territory’s ability to respond quickly and effectively should a suspected case ever arise locally.
Residents are encouraged to practice routine rodent prevention measures, including sealing openings in homes, properly storing food, and safely cleaning areas where rodents may be present.
The Department will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates if necessary. Residents are encouraged to rely on official information from VIDOH and the CDC.