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VI Department of Health Clarification: Rolling Smokes BBQ, Beach Bar Located on Premises of Hotel on the Cay Excluded from Cease-and-Desist Order

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Department of Health is clarifying that the Cease-and-Desist Order issued to Hotel on the Cay on Friday does not include Rolling Smokes BBQ restaurant or the beach bar.

“The VI Department of Health issued a Cease-and-Desist Order to Hotel on the Cay on St. Croix, to halt all hotel operations immediately due to legionella contamination in multiple water sources,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “However, the closure does not apply to the beach bar or Rolling Smokes BBQ which sits just in front of the hotel property. The restaurant and beach bar are not connected to the hotel’s water systems and are not utilizing the hotel’s water systems for its operation.”

The cease-and-desist order requires Hotel on the Cay to remediate the hotel water systems and to allow the Department of Health to complete sampling once remediation is complete to show the absence of legionella. Hotel on the Cay will not be allowed to resume hotel operations until approved to do so by the department’s Environmental Health Division.

Three guests who recently stayed at the hotel were diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease, a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. An additional three guests have suspected Legionnaire’s disease, and these cases are currently being investigated.

All current cases stayed at Hotel in the Cay in rooms where the freshwater sources (kitchen sink, bathroom sink or shower) were contaminated with Legionella.

Legionella is most spread to people by contaminated:

  • Showerheads and sink faucets
  • Hot tubs
  • Decorative fountains and water features
  • Hot water tanks and heaters
  • Large, complex plumbing systems
  • Cooling towers

“The VI Department of Health took decisive action to protect public health following confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease linked to the hotel’s water systems,” said Commissioner Encarnacion. “All cases are directly associated with freshwater exposure from the hotel rooms.”

The Department of Health is urging anyone who has recently stayed at Hotel on the Cay and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms typically develop two to 10 days after exposure. Individuals at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.

Individuals interested in being tested for Legionnaire’s, which is conducted via a simple urine sample, may visit St. Croix Clinical Laboratory.

The Department of Health’s Epidemiology Division has established a hotline at (340) 725-5389 or 340-774-7477 ext. 5647 to provide information and answer questions from the public. This hotline will remain open throughout the weekend to assist the public in accessing information and services.

“The Department of Health’s Epidemiology and Environmental Health divisions are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and extent of the contamination,” said Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist. “The hotel is required to conduct remediation efforts and testing will follow to ensure the safety of the premises.”

Updates regarding the investigation and reopening of the hotel will be provided as it becomes available.