One of the two travelers who came to Antigua and Barbuda carrying malaria has passed away, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health on Friday, which is also taking measures to enhance the nation’s defenses against the Ebola outbreak currently affecting regions of Central and East Africa.
Health Minister Michael Joseph shared this information during the Ministry’s initial press briefing since he assumed his role on May 5th, joined by Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, Acting Chief Health Inspector Daryl Spencer, and Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige.
The deceased was a male traveler who had visited a malaria-prone area and arrived at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in a critical state shortly after arriving in Antigua and Barbuda. Unfortunately, despite receiving medical care, he passed away roughly five days later.
An additional male traveler, who also arrived from a malaria-endemic region, did seek medical help post-arrival, was admitted to the hospital for treatment, and left the country after about five days.
Minister Joseph specified that both instances have been officially recorded as imported cases, with no signs of local transmission detected.
“The relevant national authorities were promptly alerted once the suspected cases were recognized, and response protocols were initiated following our national health guidelines,” he stated.
These protocols encompassed epidemiological investigations, contact tracing, vector monitoring, and continuous surveillance.
Regarding Ebola, Minister Joseph stressed that there are currently no suspected or confirmed cases within Antigua and Barbuda. However, he emphasized that the government is taking proactive measures instead of being reactive.
Plans include a proposal to the Cabinet for implementing a temporary travel restriction on individuals who have been in specified outbreak areas within the last 45 days prior to their arrival in Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry is also reinstating infrared thermal imaging systems at VC Bird International Airport and enhancing health protocols at ports in anticipation of new international flights from Nigeria set to commence on May 25th.
Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph remarked that the nation’s response strategy, developed in conjunction with CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization, positions Antigua and Barbuda favorably should the situation worsen.
“We do not anticipate needing to implement all these measures, but it is sensible for us to ensure that we are fully prepared to mitigate risks under the current circumstances,” she explained.
The Ministry is reviewing and updating its national Ebola preparedness strategies, initially created in 2014, which include elements such as surveillance, infection control, case management, and the treatment of human remains. The infectious disease center at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is being assessed and readied for activation if necessary.
Concerning malaria, Acting Chief Health Inspector Spencer reassured the public not to panic. Of the 16 species of mosquitoes found in Antigua and Barbuda, the Anopheles mosquito, the only one that can transmit malaria, is the least common and tends to inhabit wild or forested areas closer to ponds and coastal forests, making it infrequently encountered by the general populace. Surveillance of this species has been consistently conducted for over 25 years and has recently been broadened across the island.
Spencer nonetheless emphasized the importance of personal accountability in the public health strategy.
“If everyone does their part, it enables the government to allocate funds to areas that truly require them,” he noted. “It is crucial for individuals to maintain clean yards, tidy homes, and ensure safe surroundings for themselves, their children, and their neighbors. Hence, for this to be effective, collaboration between the government and all citizens is essential.”
The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to remove standing water in their vicinity, maintain clean drains and gutters, apply mosquito repellent, ensure that window and door screens are intact, and seek immediate medical assistance if experiencing symptoms like fever or flu, especially after international travel.