Traveler Dies After Imported Malaria Case Identified in Antigua, Health Minister Says
A traveler who arrived in Antigua and Barbuda from a malaria-endemic region has died after being hospitalized with the mosquito-borne disease, as health officials confirmed two imported malaria cases and intensified national surveillance and mosquito control measures, Health Minister Michael Joseph said Thursday.
Joseph said the deceased man became ill shortly after arriving in Antigua and Barbuda and later sought treatment at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre in a “severely ill condition.”
“He remained in Antigua and Barbuda for approximately five days before succumbing to his illness,” Joseph said during a press briefing.
The minister said the second case involved another male traveler from a malaria-endemic region who sought medical attention shortly after arrival, was hospitalized and treated, and later recovered before leaving the country after approximately five days.
Joseph stressed that both infections were imported cases and that there is currently no evidence of local transmission in Antigua and Barbuda.
“We wish to advise the public that yes, there were two confirmed, however imported, cases of malaria that have been recently identified in Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “At this point, there is no evidence of any local transmission.”
Following the identification of the cases, national health authorities activated surveillance and response protocols, including epidemiological investigations, contact tracing, vector surveillance activities and ongoing monitoring.
Investigators determined that both men were either symptomatic on arrival or developed symptoms shortly thereafter, leading officials to classify the infections as imported based on their travel histories and timing of illness onset.
Joseph explained that malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite and transmitted primarily through infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, weakness, nausea and vomiting.
Although the Anopheles mosquito has been identified in Antigua and Barbuda, Joseph said surveillance indicates the mosquito population remains limited locally and that the overall public health risk remains low.
The Central Board of Health has intensified mosquito control operations in areas connected to the cases, including environmental inspections, larviciding, targeted fogging and continued monitoring of mosquito populations.
Joseph urged residents to support mosquito control efforts by eliminating standing water, covering water storage containers, cleaning drains and gutters, using mosquito repellents and maintaining proper window and door screens.
He also encouraged anyone experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms, particularly after international travel, to seek prompt medical attention.
“The Ministry’s surveillance and response systems remain active and fully engaged,” Joseph said, adding that authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.