Risk / Health Info for British Virgin Islands

What inoculations should I get for Virgin Islands?

For a trip to Virgin Islands recommended vaccinations include hepatitis and typhoid. These shots will protect you from two GI illnesses that can be picked up from contaminated food or water.

Some travellers should consider a hepatitis B jab. This group includes children, frequent and long-stay travellers and anyone who will be working in healthcare. Other hep B infection routes are recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. 

Can I get treatment in Virgin Islands?

There is a hospital, but facilities are limited and complex cases are sent on elsewhere. Ensure you are covered for this by your travel insurance and that you have accessible cash funds to cover an emergency.

Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber. If you require treatment for decompression illness you will have to go to St John on the US Virgin Islands or San Juan in Puerto Rico.

The emergency number in Virgin Islands is 999 or 911.

Protect your health in Virgin Islands

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Virgin Islands so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. Some of these diseases are spread by day-biting mosquitos, others by night-biting mosquitos, so travellers need to keep up their protection round the clock. You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing clothing with good limb coverage; by using reliable insect repellents; and by sleeping under nets.

Chikungunya virus in British Virgin Islands

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in British Virgin Islands. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in British Virgin Islands

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in British Virgin Islands. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in British Virgin Islands

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in British Virgin Islands. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to British Virgin Islands. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.