The risk of hantavirus spreading in Antigua and Barbuda remains low, the Ministry of Health has confirmed, despite an outbreak linked to a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic that has claimed three lives.
Regional health authorities have identified eight cases connected to the incident — three confirmed infections, five suspected cases, and three fatalities.
The Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance, particularly at ports of entry and within the cruise sector, as authorities monitor developments in coordination with regional and international public health agencies. The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has also been kept informed, and additional precautionary measures are being implemented for cruise vessels and incoming ships.
Officials noted that hantavirus is typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodents or their waste. Importantly, the strains found in the Americas are generally linked to wild field rodents rather than the common urban rats found throughout the Caribbean. Human-to-human transmission is considered rare.
Residents are being urged to maintain proper sanitation and rodent control practices. These include securely storing garbage, keeping surroundings clean, and avoiding contact with rodent droppings or urine.
Authorities have indicated that updates will be provided if any significant developments arise.
