Seasonal viruses and COVID-19 cases are rising across the US Virgin Islands, forcing officials to urge islanders to be vigilant.
The surge in new COVID-19 and flu infections is being linked to an influx of visitors during the holidays.
On Friday, acting Health Commissioner Reuben Molloy said: “We are receiving more and more calls about the flu and viruses spreading in the Territory, and we encourage the public to take precautions to protect against contracting and spreading the flu and COVID,” Molloy said.
“The flu and the COVID vaccines are the most effective methods to prevent severe symptoms and curb the spread of these viruses. Additional preventive measures include practising good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when feeling unwell.”
Molloy noted epidemiology reports indicate low numbers of both COVID and flu cases, with 15 COVID cases reported in the first week of January and seven flu cases in December.
But he cautioned the territory could see a spike in cases later this month following large gatherings associated with Christmas and Carnival.
The commissioner noted that both flu and COVID patients present with similar symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Islanders have been urged to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 since they are among the best ways to prevent becoming severely impacted by the virus.
