USVI Department of Health

VI Department of Health Describes Public Health Standards Role

The Virgin Islands Department of Health has published an informational overview describing its role as both the regulatory agency and public health services arm for the Territory. The department's Environmental Health Division conducts routine food establishment inspections, investigates complaints, monitors sanitation conditions, and supports public accommodations and community environments. The overview cites Titles 3 and 19 of the Virgin Islands Code as the governing authority and references the FDA Food Code and Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as the science-based frameworks underpinning the department's standards. This document does not introduce new compliance requirements, enforcement actions, or policy changes.

WIC Program Rolls Out Enhanced Food Packages for Women and Children

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health WIC Program has implemented enhanced food packages as the final phase of a nationwide USDA modernization initiative. The updates include a permanent increase in the cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables, ranging from approximately $25 to $49 monthly depending on participant category, plus expanded food options such as whole grain pasta, cornmeal, canned tuna, and yogurt. The new benefits became available to participants on April 17, 2026, aligning with the USDA's science-based nutritional guidelines and the VI DOH mission to reduce health risks for women and children.

2025 Epidemiology Report Shows Disease Trends, Responses

The Virgin Islands Department of Health has published its 2025 Epidemiology Annual Report, providing a comprehensive overview of disease trends and public health responses across the Territory. Key 2025 statistics include 378 confirmed influenza cases, 140 COVID-19 cases with no reported fatalities, and 47 confirmed dengue cases. The Epidemiology Division also transitioned to a cloud-based surveillance system and launched a public-facing Epidemiology Data Dashboard to improve real-time reporting and community transparency.