The Virgin Islands Health Department is urging residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families as flu activity continues to rise in Puerto Rico, posing serious risks, particularly for those who remain unvaccinated.
“What we are seeing in Puerto Rico is a sobering reminder that influenza is not a mild illness, it can be deadly, especially for those who are unvaccinated,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said in a press release issued Monday night. “Our Epidemiology wastewater surveillance system does not currently indicate an increase in cases in the Territory in comparison to our numbers from last year. However, we recognize that frequent travel between our islands makes transmission easy. That is why we are urging residents to take preventive steps now.”
On Jan. 27, Puerto Rico declared a State of Emergency for influenza following a sharp and sustained surge in cases. The declaration remains in effect. To date, Puerto Rico has reported more than 42,000 confirmed influenza cases, over 3,000 hospitalizations, and 128 influenza-associated deaths. In Puerto Rico, nearly 46% of all cases are children, according to the release.
Puerto Rico health officials report that 96.1% of those who died were unvaccinated, underscoring the critical role flu vaccination plays in preventing severe illness and death, Encarnacion said. Hospitalizations have been concentrated among children, older adults, and individuals with underlying chronic conditions, prompting emergency public-health measures and placing significant strain on Puerto Rico’s healthcare services.
“What we are seeing in Puerto Rico reinforces what public health professionals have been touting all along: the flu vaccine saves lives,” said Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer for the V.I. Health Department. “We strongly encourage Virgin Islands residents who have not yet received their flu shot to speak with their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Influenza is often underestimated, but like COVID-19, it can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and, in some cases, death.”
To help remove barriers to care, the department’s Community Health Clinic is offering the flu vaccine, at no cost, to uninsured and underinsured residents.
To get the flu vaccine, make an appointment by calling the Community Health Clinic at:
– 340-712-0131 on St. Croix
– 340-774-7477 on St. Thomas
– 340-776-6400 on St. John
Know the Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and, in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea, the Health Department warned. Most people with mild illness can recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
However, individuals should seek emergency medical care if they have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or if symptoms improve and then return with worsening fever or cough, according to the release. Parents should seek immediate care for children who have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, signs of dehydration, high fever, or worsening symptoms.
Stay Home When Sick
The V.I. Health Department strongly urges anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home and avoid work, school, childcare, and public activities until they are fully recovered and fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Children who are sick should remain home from school to protect classmates, teachers, and staff and to help prevent further spread of influenza in the community.
Additional Protection for Those at Higher Risk
Flu vaccination is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems, according to the release.
“While vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness from the Flu, we also encourage residents, especially those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk, to consider wearing a mask in public settings as an added layer of protection,” Encarnacion said. “Simple steps like staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, and masking when appropriate can significantly reduce the spread of flu and help protect our most vulnerable community members.”
For more information about influenza visit doh.vi.gov.
