St. Croix's Dengue Outbreak Intensifies in 2025

Following the record-setting 2024, Caribbean countries and territories have again confirmed Dengue cases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in rainy conditions and is found in the Caribbean, transmits the dengue virus from person to person, causing outbreaks.

For example, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Health announced on February 5, 2025, that 15 Dengue cases have been reported in the Territory, all on the island of St. Croix.

As of October 2024, the number of Dengue cases in the USVI had surged, with 150 reported across the Territory last year.

Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist for the VI Department of Health, urges residents to take precautions to prevent further dengue transmission as the number of cases rises in St. Croix.

Dr. Ellis added that the numbers on St. Croix underestimate the actual dengue burden.

"I encourage residents to get tested for dengue if they have symptoms," she said.

Infants, pregnant women, and those with previous dengue infections are at higher risk for severe dengue. Some may develop severe dengue, which typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides and includes symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if these symptoms arise, says the U.S. CDC.

While the CDC's latest Dengue Travel Health Advisory lists 12 countries in the Region of the Americas, it does not identify the USVI as an at-risk area.

As of February 8, 2025, the second-generation Dengue vaccine is not offered in the United States or Territories.