With confirmed measles cases in the United States surpassing 1,000 across 31 states, health officials in the United States Virgin Islands are stepping up efforts to prevent an outbreak in the territory. The USVI Department of Health has launched a direct outreach campaign to unvaccinated families and is urging residents to ensure their children are protected.
As of this month, more than 50% of children under the age of six in the territory have not received the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the department.
“We are very concerned about measles reaching our shores, especially as individuals and families travel to and from the US Virgin Islands for summer vacation,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “This is a critical time to take preventative action.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,001 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationwide. Roughly 96% of those infected were unvaccinated, and about 30% were children under five years old. Three deaths have been reported—two children and one adult.
In response, the USVI Department of Health’s Immunization Division mailed approximately 500 letters last week to parents and guardians who previously requested and received exemptions from routine childhood vaccinations. The letter, signed by Commissioner Encarnacion, strongly encourages families to reconsider and vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, and rubella.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and unvaccinated children are at significant risk of becoming seriously ill if exposed,” the letter stated. “We are deeply concerned by the growing number of cases on the mainland and want to prevent a similar outbreak here in the Virgin Islands.”
The department’s message includes a warning about serious complications from measles infection, such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), hearing loss, and even death. Officials emphasize that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection and are considered safe and effective by the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Health officials also stress that individual vaccination decisions affect the broader community. Vulnerable populations—including infants under one year of age, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women—are particularly at risk from preventable disease outbreaks.
“Vaccination remains the best and most reliable defense we have,” said Encarnacion. “We’re asking parents to act now, not just for their children, but for the health of the entire community.”
Parents seeking information or vaccination appointments are encouraged to contact the VI Department of Health’s Maternal Child Health Clinic at (340) 777-8804 in St. Thomas or (340) 712-0131 in St. Croix.
This campaign is part of the department’s broader education strategy, which includes outreach via radio, social media, and printed materials.
In April, the Department of Health activated its Public Health Preparedness and Immunization divisions to prepare for a potential outbreak, led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar and Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis. Those efforts include coordination with healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, and hospitals across the territory.
Residents can find more information on measles and prevention on the CDC website.
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