Cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease continue to spread among children on St. Thomas, with 189 reported cases to date. One case has been confirmed on St. Croix, while no cases have been reported by health care providers or child care facilities on St. John, the Virgin Islands Health Department announced.
“Since our initial advisory, the department has received significant reports of additional cases of HFMD,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “I am strongly urging parents, caregivers, day cares and schools to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.”
Encarnacion cautioned that the absence of reported cases from St. John does not necessarily mean the island is unaffected. “Data from health care providers and other sources does not always include the home addresses of young children with confirmed cases of HFMD. Some may reside in St. John but travel to St. Thomas for care,” she said.
HFMD primarily affects children under five years old and is characterized by fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. The illness typically resolves within seven to 10 days without specific treatment, though supportive care such as hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and adequate rest can help manage symptoms, according to the press release.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, and exposure to blister fluid or stool. Health officials emphasize the importance of good hygiene, urging parents and caregivers to wash hands frequently, disinfect shared surfaces, and keep sick children home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and their rash or blisters have dried, the press release stated.
To prevent further spread, the department’s Epidemiology Division is offering phone consultations and in-person visits for infection control training at affected schools and day care facilities. Despite the outbreak, the department does not recommend school or day care closures, the release stated.
“We recommend enhanced hand hygiene protocols and environmental cleaning efforts for all schools and child care settings,” said Dr. Esther Ellis, the territory’s epidemiologist.
The Epidemiology Division is monitoring the situation and advises schools and health care providers to report cases to the department by emailing epi@doh.vi.gov. Residents experiencing symptoms or seeking guidance should contact their health care provider, the release stated.
For more information about HFMD, visit the CDC’s website.
