AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant, has announced the global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, following months of controversy surrounding its safety profile. The decision comes amid concerns over very rare, but life-threatening, side effects associated with the vaccine. The withdrawal of Vaxzevria extends beyond the European Union (EU), where the company had already discontinued … Continued
In anticipation of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season on 1st June, the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has activated its disaster preparedness plan. The activation is part of the organization’s readiness mandate and also in light of forecasts predicting increased tropical storm activity. On 4th April, the Tropical Weather and … Continued
Three women have been diagnosed with HIV in what federal health officials in the US believe are the first documented cases of the virus being transmitted through a cosmetic procedure involving needles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the cases last week, stemming from an investigation into an unlicensed medical spa in … Continued
The Social Development Department hosted a conscious co-parenting seminar this month aimed at emphasizing the link between positive co-parenting and safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. The event was part of activities recognizing Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the Virgin Islands. Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, stated that … Continued
Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to take precautions due to deteriorating air quality caused by a large plume of Sahara dust enveloping the territory. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has issued an advisory stating that air quality levels could reach unhealthy ranges within the next 24 hours. The dust plume is … Continued
After languishing in disrepair since the devastating hurricanes of 2017, the Burt Point Waste Water Treatment Plant has been resurrected, signalling a significant stride forward in environmental conservation and public health. A ceremony held on Friday, April 12, marked the official recommissioning of the plant, attended by esteemed dignitaries and officials. Minister for Communication and … Continued
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has reported significant progress in resolving the air conditioning (AC) system issue at the Dr. D Orlando Hospital, with the successful installation of the replacement part. In a recent media release, the BVIHSA confirmed that the new component for the AC system has been installed and activated. However, the … Continued
The Environmental Health Division has issued an urgent public notification regarding the recall of Fratelli Beretta Ready-to-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products due to concerns of possible under-processing, which may pose health risks to consumers in the territory. A media release from the Ministry of Health and Social Development noted that the recall specifically targets Ready-to-Eat Coppa … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has announced a change to its COVID-19 testing requirements before hospital and clinic admissions. Effective immediately, patients without COVID-19 symptoms will no longer need to undergo pre-procedure testing. However, symptomatic patients and those recently exposed to confirmed COVID cases will still require testing prior to surgeries, procedures … Continued
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a new epidemiological alert, urging countries in the Americas to intensify efforts to control the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector transmitting dengue fever. The alert comes in response to a significant surge in reported cases in several countries during the early weeks of 2024. According to … Continued
