Virgin Islands (U.K.) : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Virgin Islands (U.K.) may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.) (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• schistosomiasis - found in fresh water
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV/AIDS
• hepatitis B

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Virgin Islands (U.K.) compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
• ciguatera poisoning
• corals, sea urchins, sea snakes and jellyfish can cause injury in marine waters
• sharks can cause injury in marine waters
• decompression sickness

Epidemics for Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in Virgin Islands (U.K.):

• Dengue fever

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in Virgin Islands (U.K.) compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• plague - risk for travelers is small

Vaccinations for Travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.) to prevent contagious diseases in Virgin Islands (U.K.):

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - if risk of exposure to blood/bodily fluid or medical treatment or if your stay will be longer than 6 months then all infants and children 11-12 years who did not complete the series as infants
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• tetanus - booster dose as needed
• diphtheria - booster dose as needed
• measles - booster dose as needed

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.)

Any health risk of travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.) may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Virgin Islands (U.K.):

• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
• do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don't eat food purchased from street vendors
• don't drink beverages with ice
• don't share needles with anyone
• don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• hurricane season is between June and November - take care and heed local precautions
• Earthquakes may occur - take care and heed local precautions

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.)

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Virgin Islands (U.K.):

• medical care is substandard and there is only one hospital
• no hyperbaric facilities - decompression sickness treatment requires transfer

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