safety steps

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The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs wishes to advise the public that two confirmed imported cases of malaria have recently been identified in Antigua and Barbuda. At this time, there is no evidence of local transmission.

The first case involved an adult male traveller who resides in a malaria-endemic region. The individual reportedly sought medical attention shortly after arrival and was subsequently hospitalized, where treatment for malaria was initiated.

His condition improved following treatment, and he later departed the country after approximately five days in Antigua and Barbuda.

The second case involved an adult male traveller with recent travel history to a malaria-endemic region prior to arriving in Antigua and Barbuda.

He was observed to be unwell shortly after arrival and later presented to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in a severely ill condition, where medical treatment and supportive care were initiated. He remained in Antigua and Barbuda for approximately five days before succumbing to the illness.

Relevant national public health authorities were notified promptly following identification of the suspected cases, and established surveillance and response protocols were activated in keeping with national public health procedures.

These measures included epidemiological investigations, contact tracing where indicated, vector surveillance activities, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate any potential public health risk.

Investigations further determined that both individuals were either symptomatic on arrival or developed symptoms shortly thereafter. Based on the travel histories and timing of illness onset, both cases were classified as imported cases.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted primarily through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body aches, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

The Ministry advises that while the Anopheles mosquito vector has been identified in Antigua and Barbuda, entomological (mosquito) surveillance indicates that its presence locally remains limited and in very small quantities. Accordingly, the risk to the general public remains very low.

As part of the national public health response, the Ministry, through the Central Board of Health, has intensified vector surveillance and mosquito control activities in areas associated with the identified cases.

These measures include environmental inspections, species identification, source reduction activities, larviciding, targeted fogging where adult Anopheles mosquitoes are found, and continued monitoring of mosquito populations. Public health teams have also intensified risk assessments and surveillance activities in accordance with established vector management protocols.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness the Environment and Civil Service Affairs encourages members of the public to continue supporting mosquito control efforts by:

• Eliminating standing water around homes and workplaces;

• Properly covering drums, tanks, and other water storage containers;

• Cleaning drains and gutters regularly;

• Using mosquito repellents where appropriate;
Ensuring window and door screens are in good condition;

• Seeking prompt medical attention if experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms, particularly following international travel.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs understands that reports of imported infectious diseases may cause concern and wishes to reassure the public that the Ministry’s surveillance and response systems remain active and fully engaged.

The situation continues to be actively monitored, and all appropriate public health measures remain in place to protect the health and safety of the population.