Health

USVI Health Officials Monitor Mainland Measles Surge as HFMD Cases Climb in St. Thomas

The V.I. Department of Health is actively responding to a concentrated outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in the St. Thomas/St. John district, while also preparing for a potential measles outbreak amid rising cases on the U.S. mainland. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion shared both updates during her appearance before the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services on Tuesday, where she outlined the territory’s public health response and urged vigilance in the face of dual infectious disease threats. As of April 19, 272 of the 277 recorded cases of HFMD had come from the district, she noted during her status update.  A highly contagious viral illness, HFMD commonly affects children under the age of five. “Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and painful mouth sores that may blister and a rash on hands and feet,” shared the commissioner.  “In response to the outbreak, the V.I. Department of Health launched a coordinated public awareness effort to promote proper hygie...