PROTESTANT CAY — The Department of Health, today, issued an immediate Cease-and-Desist Order to Hotel on the Cay in St. Croix, requiring the hotel to suspend all operations due to the detection of legionella contamination in multiple water sources.
“The VI Department of Health has ordered Hotel on the Cay to remediate the hotel water systems and to allow the Department of Health to complete sampling once remediation is complete to show the absence of legionella,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Hotel on the Cay will not be allowed to resume hotel operations until approved to do so by our Environmental Health Division.”
The Virgin Islands Department of Health took the decisive action to protect public health following confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s disease linked to the hotel’s water system.
Two guests who recently stayed at the hotel have been diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease, a serious form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. The individuals fell ill after using water facilities during their stay. One guest required hospitalization and intubation in an intensive care unit (ICU). The other guest is recovering without hospitalization. An additional three (3) guests have suspected Legionnaire’s disease, and these cases are currently being investigated.
“The health and safety of our residents and visitors are our top priority,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “The Department of Health is working diligently to address this situation and prevent further cases. We urge anyone who has recently stayed at Hotel on the Cay and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.”
Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms typically develop two to 10 days after exposure. Individuals at higher risk include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.
Guests who stayed at the Hotel on the Cay within the past two weeks are encouraged to monitor their health and report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.
Individuals seeking testing for Legionnaire’s disease, conducted via a simple urine sample, can visit the St. Croix Clinical Laboratory, which opens at 6 a.m. on Saturday.
The Department of Health has set up a hotline at (340) 725-5389 or 340-774-7477 ext. 5647 to provide information and answer questions from the public.
“The Department of Health’s Epidemiology and Environmental Health divisions are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and extent of the contamination,” said Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist. “The hotel is required to conduct remediation efforts and testing will follow to ensure the safety of the premises.”
Updates regarding the investigation and reopening of the hotel will be provided as it becomes available.
