safety steps

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗔𝗣𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟! 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN7nmQGOj9na4QhBa12

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs wishes to reassure the public that the risk of hantavirus infection in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean region remains low.

This follows an advisory issued by the Caribbean Public Health Agency regarding a cluster of respiratory illnesses aboard a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic Ocean.

According to information provided by the World Health Organization as of 7 May 2026, eight cases had been identified, including three confirmed cases, five suspected cases, and three deaths.

Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, particularly exposure to contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva.

Regional health authorities have advised that, within the Americas, hantavirus infections are more commonly linked to wild field rodents rather than urban rat populations, making the likelihood of widespread transmission within the Caribbean relatively low. Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is also considered rare.

The Ministry notes that Antigua and Barbuda continues to work closely with regional and international public health partners to monitor developments and maintain appropriate surveillance and response measures.

Public health measures at ports of entry for cruise vessels and other vessels are also being reinforced as part of ongoing preparedness efforts. The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority continues to be kept informed by the Ministry of Health.

Members of the public are encouraged to continue practising proper sanitation and rodent control measures, including maintaining clean surroundings, properly storing and disposing of garbage, and avoiding direct contact with rodent droppings and urine.

The Ministry of Health wishes to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm at this time and that the situation continues to be closely monitored. Any further updates will be communicated as necessary.