The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs wishes to advise the public that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is closely monitoring the evolving Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation affecting parts of Central and East Africa, following the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
At this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Antigua and Barbuda.
Nevertheless, the Ministry has intensified national preparedness and surveillance measures in keeping with established public health protocols and international guidance. These measures include enhanced surveillance at ports of entry, reinforcement of infection prevention and control measures within health facilities, and continued coordination with regional and international public health agencies.
The Ministry is also reviewing and updating existing national Ebola preparedness protocols originally developed in 2014, including guidelines relating to surveillance, infection prevention and control (IPC), case management, and the safe handling of human remains. Concurrently, measures are being undertaken to ensure the readiness and operational preparedness of the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) should isolation or specialized management become necessary.
In addition, the Ministry of Health will propose to Cabinet temporary travel measures for persons travelling from designated outbreak areas. The proposed measures would restrict entry into Antigua and Barbuda for persons who have been present in identified outbreak areas within forty-five (45) days prior to arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
Arrangements are also being undertaken for the reinstallation of infrared thermal camera systems at the V.C. Bird International Airport as part of strengthened passenger screening measures.
Further, in light of the anticipated arrival of additional international flights from Nigeria commencing 25 May 2026, the Ministry is strengthening Port Health presence and public health screening capacity at the airport, including enhanced traveller assessment procedures and reinforced coordination with Immigration, Customs, airport authorities, and airline operators.
The Ministry reminds the public that the risk to Antigua and Barbuda remains low at this time. However, vigilance and preparedness remain essential. Members of the public are encouraged to continue practising good hand hygiene and to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing fever or illness, particularly following recent international travel.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.