The U.S. Virgin Islands’ (USVI) large coastal population and unique marine habitats are  vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Department of Health seeks to prepare island communities by communicating about the ways that climate change can impact human health. Learn about how you and your family can take protective action.

Why is climate change a public health issue? Episode 4 of “That’s Public Health”

Source: CDC Climate Effects on Health

Learn more about the human health risks associated with climate change:

• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Weather Events
• Water Related Disease
• Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
• Mosquito-Borne Disease
• Drought
• Saharan Dust Plumes
• Mental Health

Supplementary Climate Change Resources

Summary reports on how climate change impacts health in the USVI.

CDC Climate Effects on Health
CDC Regional Health Effects of Climate Change on the U.S. Caribbean
EPA What Climate Change Means for the US Virgin Islands

Resources for Health Professionals

Resources are available for USVI health professionals seeking evidence-based strategies to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

Reports

U.S. Caribbean – Fourth National Climate Assessment
USVI Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Report
2022 Lancet Countdown U.S. Brief

Surveillance Data

Data and Tools | CDC
National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network

Communications

Environmental Health Multimedia Tools | NCEH
Preparedness and Response Infographics | CDC
Extreme Weather and Emergency Preparedness and Response Infographics | NCEH
Air Quality Infographics | Air | CDC
Educational Materials by Topic | Natural Disasters | CDC

Toolkits

Moving Forward Toolkit – Climate for Health
Resources for Public Health Professionals | CDC
U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
Climate Change | Tracking | NCEH | CDC
Guidance and Trainings | CDC
Climate and Health Evaluation Framework | CDC
External Climate and Health Adaptation Resources | CDC

Extreme Weather Events

Storm/Flood and Hurricane Response | NIOSH | CDC
Response Worker Health and Safety|Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters, Second Edition

Extreme Heat

Climate Change and Extreme Heat | Extreme Weather and Emergency Preparedness and Response Infographics | NCEH
Heat Exposure and Cardiovascular Health: A Summary for Health Departments
Heat & Heat-related Illness | Tracking | NCEH | CDC

Drought & Air Quality

Preparing for the Health Effects of Drought: A Resource Guide for Public Health Professionals
Caribbean | U.S. Drought Monitor
Air Quality | Tracking | NCEH | CDC

Emergency Response

Public Health Emergency Response Guide|Preparation & Planning
Response and Recovery Activities for Environmental Health (RRA) | EHS | CDC
Guidance for Emergency Responders in USVI and Puerto Rico | NIOSH | CDC

Mosquito-Borne Disease

VCEHP-Vector Control for EH Professionals | EHS | CDC

Water Related Disease

Resources for public health, healthcare, and water utilities | Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene-related Emergencies & and Outbreaks | Healthy Water | CDC

Mental Health

Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event | CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response
Psychiatry.org – Climate Change and Mental Health Connections
Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself
Response Resources for Leaders to Address Psychosocial Needs in a Disaster
Resources for State and Local Governments

Extreme Heat

Weather records from neighboring islands report that the annual number of days exceeding 90°F has steadily increased during the last 50 years. Overall temperatures in the Caribbean have risen nearly 2°F in that same time period. Higher day-time temperatures also indicate an increasing frequency of warmer nights in the USVI, which prevents people from recovering from the day’s heat.

Health Risks Associated with Extreme Heat

Hot days are especially hazardous for children, older adults, people with chronic diseases, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning. Heat waves can increase risk of dehydration, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms of heat induced illness may include sunburn, hot body temperature, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, and headache.

What to do: Heat Safety

• Stay Cool
  • Find air-conditioned indoor shelter
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Wear light clothing
• Stay Hydrated
  • Drink more water than usual
  • Avoid dehydrating liquids (alcohol, coffee, caffeinated soda)
• Stay Informed
  • Watch for signs of heat-related illness and call 911 right away if you suspect a medical emergency
  • Check in on others who may be at risk
  • Check local news for weather alerts and safety tips

Infographic on Heat Safety: English | Español

Heat Safety Resources

Heat Safety Video
CDC Extreme Heat Video
CDC Extreme Heat Resource

Extreme Weather Events

Climate change is associated with storms of greater intensity. The CDC predicts that the USVI will lose 4.6% of total coastal area from rising sea levels and storm surges within the century. Communities residing near coastal areas should prepare for the risks of flooding.

Health Risks Associated with Extreme Weather Events

Dangerous weather events such as hurricanes can cause serious physical injuries and psychological trauma to storm survivors. Severe flooding can also damage homes, pipelines, roads, and other infrastructure that leads to the loss of clean water and electricity.

What to do: Storm Safety

• Do not walk, swim, or drive on flooded roads
• Never consume flood water or food that has been contaminated by flooding
• Follow any evacuation orders to find emergency shelter
• Stay Informed
  • Check local news for weather alerts and warning signals
  • Check in on others who may be at risk
• Be Prepared
  • Create and practice a family emergency plan
  • Keep emergency supplies

Infographic on Hurricane Safety: English | Español
Infographic on Flooding Safety: English | Español

Storm Safety Resources

USVI DOH Hurricane Preparedness Resources
CDC Precipitation Extreme Webpage
Stay Safe After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm
Make a Plan for an Emergency

Water Related Disease

Climate change related events, such as extreme heat, drought, and severe storming can threaten clean water supplies in the USVI. Flooding endangers water supply by damaging critical infrastructures such as cisterns, pipelines, and wastewater treatment plants. Destruction to infrastructure increases risk of water contamination, which leads to water related illnesses within the population. Similarly, long periods of drought can cause water shortages, which negatively impact community sanitation and hygiene.

Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Water

Over 80% of samples taken from community cisterns in St. Thomas were contaminated with harmful bacteria after hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Drinking or cooking with contaminated flood water can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Waterborne illnesses can be particularly dangerous for infants, young children, women who are pregnant, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. After a flood, water should be used with caution if contamination is suspected. Symptoms of waterborne illnesses include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, coughing, and irritation of the skin, ear, or eye.

What to do: Water Safety

• Do not drink, wash, or cook using unfiltered rainwater from flooding
• After a flood, check on your cistern’s UV light and filtration system for any damage
• Get your cistern water tested and treated regularly
• Seek guidance from local health department on water safety

Source: USVI DOH CISTERN WATER STUDY

How to Clean & Disinfect your Water Cistern after a Flood

Flood water can contain germs and waste that make water unsafe to drink. If flood water has entered your cistern, your water could be contaminated. Follow these steps to clean and disinfect your cistern.

Step 1: Cleaning Your Cistern

1. Clean the catchment area (for example, rooftop and gutters).
2. Dump the contaminated water from inside the cistern and remove any debris.
3. Wait for safe water to accumulate in the catchment area. This process of dumping your cistern and waiting for safe water could take a while.
4. Scrub the inside with a stiff brush and a solution of 1 cup (about 0.25 liter) of unscented liquid household bleach (5%-6%) mixed with 10 gallons (about 38 liters) of water.
5. Rinse the cistern with clean, safe water, then drain.
6. Refill the cistern with clean, safe water.

Step 2: Disinfecting Your Cistern

1. If the cistern is connected to any water treatment systems (for example, water filter or softener), close valves to those units and follow manufacturer recommendations to disinfect those systems separately.
2. Add 3 cups (about 0.75 liters) of 5%-6% unscented liquid household bleach for every 100 gallons (about 380 liters) of water in the cistern.
3. If the cistern is connected to interior plumbing, open each faucet and run the water until you smell chlorine (bleach).
4. Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the cistern and plumbing for at least 12 hours. Do NOT drink, bathe, or cook with this water.
5. Drain all water from the cistern.
6. Refill the cistern with safe drinking water.
7. Open each faucet and run the water until you do not smell chlorine (bleach).
8. Add 1 tablespoon of 5%-6% unscented liquid household bleach for every 100 gallons of water in your cistern to prevent germs from growing.

For further assistance on getting clean water for your home, contact the department of health.

Infographic on Disinfecting Cisterns: English | Español
Infographic on Making Safe Water: English | Español
Infographic on Diarrheal Disease Prevention: English | Español

Water Safety Resources

Water Contamination and Diseases | Drinking Water | Healthy Water | CDC
Food and Waterborne Diarrheal Disease | CDC
Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH)-related Emergencies & Outbreaks
Cisterns Before and After a Disaster | CDC

Threats to Coastal Ecosystems

Ocean warming, acidification, and rising sea levels due to climate change have negative impacts on coastal habitats. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased due to human activity, causing the ocean’s acidity to rise as more carbon dioxide is dissolved into the ocean. Ocean acidification has risen by 25% in the past three centuries and is predicted to increase by another 40-50% by 2100. Ocean warming is another major concern as water temperatures around the USVI have increased by 2°F since 1901.

Ocean acidification and warming have caused the USVI to lose over half of its coral reef parks. Coral reefs are essential to shoreline protection as they act as buffers against ocean waves, storms, and flooding. Damage to coral reefs have caused half of the USVI National Park to be at high risk for erosion, which will worsen inland flooding. The EPA predicts sea levels will rise 1-3 feet in the next century partly due to climate induced loss of coral reefs.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Protecting USVI Coastal Ecosystems

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Coral Reef Initiative is dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity in the USVI. For more information on coastal zone management, visit the Department of Planning and Natural Resources website.

2020-2025 Coral Reef Management Priorities
Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park-Coral Reef Protection
How You Can Help

Health Risks Associated with Diminishing Coral Reefs

Economic activities that are dependent on coastal tourism are threatened by climate change. Healthy coral reefs are essential to maintaining marine diversity as they provide habitats for a variety of native species. Tourism and aquaculture, both of which are vital to the USVI economy, face serious consequences from diminishing coral reefs and fish populations. Scientific research shows that economic instability from declining tourism is associated with an increase of food insecurity and financial hardship within low income Caribbean communities.

Nutrition & Financial Assistance

If you are worried about accessing healthy food for you and your family, visit the USVI’s Department of Human Resources. For guidance on maintaining a nutritious diet, visit MyPlate.

Mosquito-Borne Disease

The tropical climate of the USVI provides an optimal habitat for mosquitoes and other vectors that spread diseases to humans. Higher temperatures resulting from climate change accelerate the life cycle of mosquitoes and the rate of virus replication in vectors. In addition, standing water from extreme weather events can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, contributing to the risk of human infection.

Health Risks Associated with Mosquitos

Mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases to humans. In the USVI, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector for Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Infection occurs when a female mosquito spreads the disease from an infected person to an uninfected person through its bite.

What to do: Mosquito Protection

• Wear an EPA registered insect repellent
• Wear light colored, long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing
• Mosquito-proof your home
  • Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, especially after extreme rainfall and flooding events
  • Keep doors and window screens in good condition
• Cover cribs and baby carriers with mosquito netting

Infectious Disease Resources

The Virgin Islands Department of Health Vector Control Program
CDC Mosquito Bite Protection Flyer
CDC Prevent Mosquito Bites

Drought

Drought results from an imbalance of precipitation and evaporation within Earth’s water cycle. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns create drought conditions that limit water  availability. The USVI has faced 4 dry seasons within the past 63 years, and these prolonged droughts are projected to increase in frequency as the climate continues to warm.

Droughts have significant impacts on agricultural and economic activities, which result in diminished population health. Heat waves during droughts increase the rate of evaporation in soils, plants, and surface waters, leading to water scarcity. Dryness puts stress on crops and reduces yields, harming food distribution and commerce. High temperatures also threaten animal health by causing them to eat less and mature more slowly, disrupting agricultural productivity.

Droughts cause hardship to poultry farmers and ranchers across the USVI. In 2023, farmers in St. Croix reported a 50% reduction in egg production due to hot temperatures. Tropical fruits that are also vital to USVI food commerce are intolerant of shifting weather patterns, indicating that climate change will strain food supply. Furthermore, drought harms sugar cane crops in neighboring Caribbean countries, negatively impacting the USVI rum industry that relies on imported molasses from sugar cane.

Agricultural and economic hardship brings instability to food systems, which consequently threaten the nutritional and financial well-being of USVI communities.

Health Risks Associated with Drought

Prolonged drought has a multitude of impacts on human health. Severe drought increases the risk for wildfires or dust storms that diminish air quality. Dust can irritate lungs and cause difficulty for those with chronic respiratory illnesses. Limited water resources can also compromise the quality of drinking water and sanitation systems. Furthermore, diminished living conditions resulting from economic hardship during droughts can lead to mental health challenges. Learn how to recognize drought related health symptoms and take protective action.

Infographic on Drought and Health: English | Español

What to do: Drought Safety

Source: Adapted from Wisconsin DOH Webpage on Drought

Drought Resources

Health Implications of Drought | CDC
National Integrated Drought Information System- Drought Status of the USVI
CDC Drought Resources
EPA Drought Resources

Saharan Dust Plumes

Each summer from June to August, wind currents from the Sahara Desert transport enormous amounts of dust to the Caribbean. These Saharan dust plumes contain a mixture of sand, dust, minerals, viruses, bacteria, and other particles that have both positive and negative impacts on the USVI.

Dust storms suppress hurricane formation because dusty air cools sea and land surface temperatures. Minerals from Saharan dust plumes also act as fertilizer that maintain healthy terrestrial ecosystems around the world.

Despite these benefits, severe dust storms are hazardous for humans and marine wildlife. Toxins in Saharan dust plumes are linked to coral reef illnesses. In addition, dust storms compromise air quality, which endangers the health of local communities. Global warming will worsen these negative health impacts as research shows correlation between climate change induced drought in Northern Africa and intensity of dust events in the Caribbean.

North-easterly trade winds carry dust from the Saharan desert over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean each year.
Source: NASA Here Comes the Saharan Dust

Health Risks Associated with Saharan Dust Plumes

Severe dust storms reduce air quality and cause eye and lung irritation that can trigger sinus and respiratory problems. Although Saharan dust plumes affect everyone, children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with chronic respiratory and cardiopulmonary diseases are particularly at risk.

Dust storms increase risk of dry skin, asthma and allergy attacks, acute bronchitis, and respiratory infection. Symptoms resulting from poor air quality may include irritation of the eye, skin, nose, and throat, difficulty breathing, coughing, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.

What to do: Dust Safety

• Avoid outside activities and driving in reduced visibility
• Wear a mask and protective eyeglasses if you must be outside
• Close windows, doors, and vents during a dust storm
• Keep your medications nearby
• Stay Informed by checking local news for weather alerts and warning signals

Saharan Dust Plumes Resources

Saharan Dust
U.S. Virgin Islands Air Quality Index (AQI) and Air Pollution information | IQAir

Mental Health

Climate change related events, such as hurricanes, drought, and water scarcity, can have negative impacts on your mental health. It’s natural to experience strong, negative emotions following a disaster. Damage to homes, financial hardship, and being forced to move or separate from family are all stressful consequences of extreme weather events. Get help for yourself and your loved ones by learning how to respond to mental distress.

Mental Health Risks Associated with Climate Change

Disasters can evoke feelings of shock, anxiety, paralysis, and grief. Frustration and hopelessness can also be common following climate induced financial strain or job loss. Over time, these emotions can become difficult to manage and can result in dangerous coping behaviors, such as dependency on alcohol and other drugs. In addition, prolonged stress and trauma can cause long-term mental disorders like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Source: CDC Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Traumatic events are stressful for everyone, but young children, teens, older adults, pregnant women, and people with disabilities and chronic illnesses are particularly at risk. Exercising self care for yourself and looking out for your loved ones can help.

What to do: Protecting your Mental Health

• Take care of yourself
  • Take slow, deep breaths
  • Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep
  • Engage in activities that you enjoy
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Avoid too much exposure to the news
  • Repeated exposure to upsetting images in the media can be distressful, especially for young children and teens
• Connect with others
  • Seek support from friends, family, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals
• See professional help if anxiety continues
  • Call 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
  • Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990
  • Text ‘TalkWithUs’ (or ‘Hablanos’ for Spanish speakers) to 66746
  • TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired: 800-846-8517
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Mental Health Resources

Finding a new normal: Life after a natural disaster
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event | CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
Helping Children Cope with Emergencies | CDC
Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens
Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster | CDC

USVI Climate and Health Bibliography

American Psychiatric Association. Climate Change and Mental Health Connections. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cisterns before and after a disaster. Published December 5, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/disinfection-cisterns.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Climate and Health Regional Health Effects – U.S. Caribbean. Published March 3, 2021. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/uscaribbean.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coping with a disaster or traumatic event. Published March 3, 2023. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extreme heat. Published June 17, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food and waterborne diarrheal disease. Published December 21, 2020. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/food_waterborne.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent mosquito bites. Published November 9, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html?fbclid=IwAR2tiHrDfmymW5a8h7a0R_ePh-m5E5y6G_AVIdF_lUBDqDBb-iI1KM7kZ8U

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Saharan dust. Published March 20, 2023. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/air/saharan-dust.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water contamination and diseases. Published May 26, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/contamination.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Water, sanitation, & hygiene-related emergencies & and outbreaks. Published May 12, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/index.html

Climate change affects Saharan dust storms. Harvard Gazette. Published February 26, 2020. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/newsplus/climate-change-impacts-saharan-dust-storms/

Jiang SC, Han M, Chandrasekaran S, Fang Y, Kellogg CA. Assessing the water quality impacts of two Category-5 hurricanes on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Water Res. 2020;171(115440):115440. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2019.115440

National Integrated Drought Information System. Drought update for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/drought-update-puerto-rico-and-us-virgin-islands-2023-04-06

Padhy SK, Sarkar S, Panigrahi M, Paul S. Mental health effects of climate change. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2015;19(1):3-7. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.156997

Texas A&M University. Sahara dust may make you cough, but it’s a storm killer. Science Daily. Published online July 20, 2018. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180720154909.htm

United States Department of the Interior. Frontlines of climate change: U.S. Virgin Islands. Published March 31, 2016. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.doi.gov/blog/frontlines-climate-change-us-virgin-islands

United States Environmental Protection Agency. What Climate Change Means for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Published November 2016. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-11/documents/climate-change-usvi.pdf

Alternative photo with Caribbean focus: https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2022-06-09