The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.

“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.

The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.

Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.

“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has confirmed the completion of air-conditioning installation works and a comprehensive cleaning process at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, clearing the way for healthcare services to return to the facility this week.

The announcement follows a January update in which BVIHSA disclosed that technical challenges had delayed the air-conditioning project beyond its original timeline. At the time, the Authority indicated that once installation was complete, the facility would undergo deep cleaning and an initial air-quality assessment before services could safely resume.

According to Tuesday’s release, those phases have now been successfully finalized.

The Authority said that after completing the installation, the clinic underwent a thorough deep cleaning along with the required air-quality testing to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. With those measures complete, the transition back to the permanent facility will begin on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to be finalized within three days.

Residents are being advised that there may be brief service interruptions during the relocation process. Pharmacy services in particular could experience temporary delays as equipment and supplies are repositioned and systems are fully restored.

BVIHSA also previously noted that a one-month follow-up air-quality assessment will be conducted after services resume, though this will not impact the reopening or ongoing operations of the clinic.

The reopening marks another step toward stabilizing operations at the Virgin Gorda healthcare facility, which has experienced multiple service disruptions and temporary relocations in recent years due to infrastructure challenges involving air-conditioning and electrical systems. In 2024, services were moved to a temporary location to ensure continuity of care while repairs and assessments were undertaken.

The clinic, officially opened in February 2020 at a cost of approximately $7 million, serves as Virgin Gorda’s primary public healthcare facility and was designed to deliver modern, climate-controlled medical services to residents.

BVIHSA has apologized for any inconvenience caused during the transition period and expressed appreciation to the Virgin Gorda community for its continued patience and cooperation. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and fully operational healthcare environment for residents and visitors alike.

 The family of Letisha Romney, 31, is appealing for public support to help cover the cost of a liver transplant after she was diagnosed with liver failure in August and transferred to Puerto Rico for advanced medical care.

Romney, a mother of a 6-year-old son, Jevonni, was first admitted to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Aug. 22, before being airlifted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where doctors said a transplant is her only chance of survival.

Her family said the estimated cost of surgery and post-operative care could range from $80,000 to $100,000, including three months of hospital recovery and aftercare in Puerto Rico, frequent follow-up visits there over the next three years, and medication to prevent organ rejection.

“We are rallying around Letisha with love, prayers and support, but the financial burden far exceeds what we can carry alone,” the family said in a public appeal.

They are asking for donations of any amount to help pay for the transplant, travel and accommodation for medical follow-ups, and ongoing treatment. The family also urged the public to share her story to increase awareness and support.

Romney’s relatives said she is a devoted mother and a family-oriented young woman who enjoys cooking, caring for children and spending time with her son. “With your support, we can give her the chance to recover, to watch her son grow and thrive, and to live the life she deserves,” the family said.

Donations will go directly toward Romney’s medical expenses and post-operative care, according to her relatives.

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Recaudación de fondos de Lisa Romney: Help Letisha Receive a Life-Saving Liver Transplant