CDC Reveals 263 Dengue Cases, First USVI Death Since 2005 and Testing Delays of Up to Two Months

Key Points:

• A federal investigation reported 263 confirmed dengue cases, 15 hospitalizations, and the U.S. Virgin Islands' first dengue-associated death since 2005 during an outbreak from January 2024 to June 2025, with St. Croix experiencing the highest number of cases.
• The territory initially lacked local dengue diagnostic testing, causing sample processing delays of one to two months, but testing was introduced locally in October 2024, reducing turnaround times to under a week.
• Most infections (97%) were locally transmitted, with the majority involving dengue virus type 2; clinical preparedness was initially limited, prompting extensive healthcare provider training and enhanced disease reporting systems.
• Mosquito-control and public education efforts included yard inspections, larvicide application, distribution of spatial-repellent devices, and outreach to households and schools, aiming to curb the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
• The CDC emphasized maintaining improved diagnostic, clinical, and mosquito-control capabilities between outbreaks to ensure rapid response to future dengue increases in the Virgin Islands.