No dengue outbreak in Antigua and Barbuda, Cabinet advised

The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has been advised that there is no dengue outbreak and no unusual increase in mosquito-borne illnesses in the country, based on current epidemiological surveillance and laboratory-confirmed data.

The update was provided by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting and was outlined at Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing by Director-General of Communications Maurice Merchant.

“The minister told Cabinet that, based on current epidemiological surveillance and laboratory-confirmed data, all indicators for dengue and other arboviral illnesses remain within expected baseline levels,” Merchant said.

According to Merchant, the data show a steady decline in confirmed dengue cases over the past several years, with no cases recorded so far for 2026.

“In 2022, there were two cases of dengue recorded. In 2023, there was a spike of 106 cases. That fell in 2024 to 18 cases. In 2025, 11 cases were recorded, and so far for this year, there are no cases that have been recorded,” he said.

Merchant added that other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, chikungunya, Oropouche fever and yellow fever, have also remained at low or zero levels in recent years.

“For Zika virus, only two confirmed cases last year, no confirmed cases in 2022, 2023, 2024 or so far for this year,” Merchant said. “As it relates to chikungunya, Oropouche fever and yellow fever, zero laboratory-confirmed cases reported from 2020 to so far this year.”

He said Cabinet concluded that the figures confirm arboviral activity remains “low and controlled,” with no indication of sustained transmission or outbreak conditions.

Merchant said the Ministry of Health’s surveillance systems remain fully active to ensure early detection and a rapid response should disease patterns change.

“The public will be promptly informed if surveillance data indicate any increase in risk,” he said.

While reassuring residents that there is no cause for alarm, Merchant noted that the ministry continues to encourage routine mosquito-control measures, including eliminating standing water and using personal protection.

“The ministry remains committed to transparency, evidence-based public health action, and the continued protection of the health and well-being of all Antiguans and Barbudans,” he added.