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US Virgin Islands
Risk:
Low
Health Overview
The US Virgin Islands — St. Thomas; St. John (two-thirds National Park); and St. Croix — is a US territory where 911 and US insurance work. Active CDC HAN 511 for dengue. Devastated by back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes in 2017; largely rebuilt. DEET and trip cancellation insurance are the two most important preparations.
Key Health Risks
High
Dengue — Active CDC Health Advisory HAN 511
Active HAN 00511 names USVI. Aedes aegypti present on all three islands year-round. St. John outdoor activities create sustained mosquito exposure.
High
Hurricane Vulnerability — Post-Irma/Maria Legacy
Two Category 5 hurricanes within two weeks in September 2017. St. John lost over 90% of structures. Territory largely rebuilt but remains highly hurricane-exposed.
Moderate
Limited Healthcare on St. John
St. John's Myrah Keating Smith Health Center provides 24-hour emergency services but is NOT a full hospital. Serious emergencies require boat or helicopter transfer to St. Thomas (approximately 45 minutes).
Health Risk Callout
Same dengue HAN 511 as Puerto Rico. St. John healthcare limitation is the additional clinical point specific to USVI.
Other Health Risks
Leptospirosis; Hurricane-related illness | 2026 UPDATE: Dengue: CDC HAN 00523 (Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus Infections and Updated Testing Recommendations) now supersedes/updates the stored HAN 00511. USVI Dept of Health declared a dengue outbreak in the St. Croix district. Stored dossier references only HAN 00511. (https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00523.html ; https://doh.vi.gov/vi-department-of-health-urges-precautions-as-dengue-outbreak-hits-st-croix-district/, 2026)
Regional Information
Regional Risk Callout
St. Thomas: most developed; Roy Lester Schneider Hospital. St. John: extraordinary but limited medical care (Myrah Keating Smith Health Center — NOT a full hospital; serious emergencies require boat/helicopter to St. Thomas). St. Croix: Juan F. Luis Hospital; authentic Caribbean character.
Regional Healthcare Callout
US-standard healthcare. Roy Lester Schneider (St. Thomas) and Juan F. Luis (St. Croix). St. John: health center only; serious cases transfer to St. Thomas. Complex cases may transfer to Puerto Rico.
Vaccine and Malaria Prevention
💉 Entry Vaccine Required
None — US territory. REAL ID or passport required for domestic flights as of May 7 2025.
🛡️ Recommended Vaccines
Routine vaccines; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Typhoid for extended stays
🦟 Malaria Information
No malaria risk.
None
Physician Note
Dr. Robert
Emergency Medicine · 25+ Years · 40+ Countries
USVI has same dengue HAN 511 as Puerto Rico. Driving on the left surprises US visitors. St.
John healthcare limitation: serious event means 45-minute boat transfer.
Pre-Departure Checklist
8+ Weeks
- Be sure to consult your Dr. prior to travel to discuss
- CDC recommends Routine vaccines
- Hep A/B
- REAL ID
- Trip cancellation insurance.
2-4 Weeks
- DEET 30%+
- STEP registration
- Confirm St. John water source.
Day Of
- 911
- Drive on LEFT
- DEET
- Carry water for St. John hiking.
Trip Type Guidance
Adventure
- St. John National Park hiking
- Buck Island St. Croix
- Scuba diving the Wall.
Family
- No passport
- 911
- US insurance
- Trunk Bay.
Beach
- Trunk Bay
- Cinnamon Bay
- Sapphire Beach.
Business
- Charlotte Amalie commerce and cruise hub
Notes
Special Evacuation Notes
US health insurance including Medicare and Medicaid applies. St. John emergencies require boat/helicopter to St. Thomas. Air transport to Puerto Rico for complex cases.
Safety Notes
Safe US territory. Key: DEET for dengue; drive on the LEFT in USVI (surprises US visitors); hurricane insurance June-November; St. John limited medical care.
partner recommendation
Medical Evacuation & Assistance
A medical crisis far from home can cost $50,000+ to evacuate. Global Rescue — the partner we personally trust — provides worldwide evacuation and round-the-clock medical assistance.
Good For
Adventure
Family
Beach
Business