Health

Zero Confirmed Lead Cases Among 390 Tested Children; Public Advised Not to Use Potable Water for Brushing Teeth

The V.I. Dept. of Health, represented by Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis during the Government House's weekly briefing on Monday, has released new information on lead testing in local schools. This comes in the wake of concerns about elevated lead and copper levels in the potable water system. In a crucial update, the department has also revised its stance on using potable water for brushing teeth, now advising the public to avoid this due to potential health risks. According to Dr. Ellis, a total of 390 children aged 0 to 6 years have undergone initial finger-prick lead testing. Out of these, 15 cases are 'detected pending confirmation' and are subject to follow-up confirmatory testing. Dr. Ellis emphasized, “Of the 15, the VI Department of Health has received the results of seven tests which were all returned negative or below the level of concern for lead. To reiterate, to date there have been zero positive lead blood tests.” D.O.H. said its actions align with Governor...