U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The VI Department of Health is closely monitoring the rise in measles cases in the US along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which reported more than 300 confirmed cases across 15 jurisdictions to date.
“With the spring and summer travel season approaching, the CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion at a Government House press briefing held today. “The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective protection against measles. We strongly encourage all residents, particularly those traveling internationally, to be up to date on their MMR vaccinations. With the crisis that we are facing nationally, parents should ensure their children receive the vaccine as soon as possible.”
As of Friday, the CDC reported outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Texas has reported a total of 259 confirmed cases for 2025, with one fatality – an unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions. New Mexico has reported 35 confirmed cases with one fatality – an unvaccinated adult.
The agency reported between one and three confirmed cases for another 13 other jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 95% of the cases reported are among persons who are unvaccinated, or the vaccine status is unknown.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a body-wide rash. Severe cases can result in ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain swelling). Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, and the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Commissioner Encarnacion encourages parents to have your children vaccinated and stressed, “Vaccination is the best protection. If you have concerns about vaccines, speak with your child’s pediatrician for accurate, science-based information.”
Commissioner Encarnacion noted that within the 12 months to 6 years age range who are most at risk for measles and that has had 1 or more dose of MMR our vaccine coverage is a low 44.32%. With the territory’s overall vaccination rates at approximately 44 to 60 percent, we remain very concerned with the spread of measles across the US and its potential impact on the territory.
To achieve herd immunity for highly contagious diseases such as measles, approximately 95% of the population needs immunity, she said. Herd immunity means that a large enough portion of a community has become immune through vaccination, to an infectious disease, making it difficult for the disease to spread.
The vaccine protects vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals. It helps prevent large outbreaks and pandemics and it reduces the burden on healthcare systems. As a result, even individuals who are not immune are indirectly protected because the spread of the disease is significantly reduced.
The MMR vaccine is available at the following locations for children:
o On St. Thomas – St. Thomas East End Medical Center, Partners 4Kids, ANS Pediatrics PLLC, Wilson Healthcare Consultants and VI Department of Health’s Maternal Child Health
o On St. Croix – North Shore Health Center, Frederiksted Health Care, Inc, Pediatric Care Center, Island Pediatrics, LLC and VI Department of Health’s Maternal Child Health.
For adults, the MMR vaccine is available at the following locations:
o St. Thomas – Walgreens Pharmacy, Kmart Pharmacy, Red Hook Family Practice, Yacht Haven Family Practice, Wilson Healthcare Consultant
o St. Croix – Neighborhood Pharmacy, Community Health St. Croix, Frederiksted Health Clinic, Primary Care LLC
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Update
Commissioner Encarnacion also provided the community with an update on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the USVI.
As of Tuesday, the number of HFMD cases in the territory has risen to 255 — 250 in St. Thomas and 5 in St. Croix. No cases have been reported on St. John. However, data from healthcare providers and other sources may not include the home addresses of young children with HFMD. Some may reside in St. John but travel to St. Thomas for care.
“We ask you as parents, as caregivers, and as healthcare providers, and the entire community to remain vigilant,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
HFMD is a common but highly contagious illness that primarily affects children under five years old. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. While there is no specific treatment, symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
The best way to care of a child with HFMD is to; keep the child remains hydrated, to use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, to apply soothing mouth rinses with salt and water or baking soda and water to reduce inflammation; to use oral gels for those too young to swish a rinse, and to ensure adequate periods of rest for recovery.
She advised against using aspirin when treating viral infections due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious condition that affects the liver and brain.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and direct contact with fluid from blisters or stool. Proper hand hygiene and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces reduce the risk of HFMD.
Parents and caregivers should monitor children for symptoms and keep them home if they are ill. Children should not return to school or daycare until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and any rash or blisters have dried.
The Epidemiology Division is actively working with schools and daycares, providing consultations and in-person visits where HFMD cases have been reported. To ensure timely support, schools and daycares are encouraged to report cases by emailing epi@doh.vi.gov.
More information about Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is available www.cdc.gov.
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