No Dengue Outbreak in Antigua and Barbuda, Health Minister Assures Cabinet and Public

Minister for Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, has assured Cabinet and the public that there is no dengue outbreak or unusual increase in arboviral diseases in Antigua and Barbuda at this time.

Sir Molwyn provided the update during a recent Cabinet meeting, stating that based on current epidemiological surveillance and laboratory-confirmed data, all indicators for dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses remain within expected baseline levels.

He emphasized that routine public health monitoring continues to show no evidence of abnormal disease activity nationwide.

According to laboratory-confirmed arboviral disease data from 2022 to 2026, dengue fever cases have declined significantly.

In 2022, only two cases were recorded, followed by a spike to 106 cases in 2023. That number fell sharply to 18 cases in 2024 and declined further to 11 cases in 2025. To date in 2026, no confirmed dengue cases have been reported.

Data presented to Cabinet also showed that Zika virus activity remains extremely limited. Only two confirmed cases were recorded in 2025, with no laboratory-confirmed cases reported in 2022, 2023, 2024, or so far in 2026.

Additionally, there have been zero laboratory-confirmed cases of chikungunya, Oropouche fever, or yellow fever reported in Antigua and Barbuda between 2022 and 2026.

Cabinet concluded that the data clearly confirm arboviral activity remains low and well controlled, with no indication of sustained transmission or outbreak conditions at this time.

Sir Molwyn further assured the Cabinet that the Ministry of Health’s public health surveillance systems remain fully operational and vigilant. He noted that these systems are designed to ensure continuous monitoring, early detection, and rapid response should there be any change in disease patterns. He also emphasized that the public will be promptly informed if surveillance data indicate any increase in health risks.

While reiterating that there is no cause for public alarm, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is encouraging residents to continue practicing routine mosquito control measures. These include eliminating standing water around homes, using insect repellents, and taking appropriate personal protective measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, evidence-based public health action, and the continued protection of the health and well-being of all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.