Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications within the Office of the Prime Minister, has reiterated that there are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking during last week’s Cabinet press briefing, Merchant said that while measles cases are spreading rapidly in several countries, the twin-island nation continues to remain resilient against the disease.
He attributed this resilience to Antigua and Barbuda’s robust national vaccination programme, noting that all children are routinely immunised against measles.
“Parents and guardians recognise the importance of ensuring their children are vaccinated. Measles would have been eradicated in Antigua and Barbuda, and any occurrence is minuscule because of our vaccination programme,” Merchant said.
His comments come against the backdrop of a major measles outbreak in the United States. In South Carolina, the number of confirmed cases reached 876 as of February 3, 2026—surpassing the 2025 outbreak in Texas and marking the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since 2000, when the disease was declared eliminated.
Health officials in South Carolina have also raised concerns about serious complications linked to the outbreak. According to a report published by Wired, the state’s epidemiologist confirmed on February 4 that some infected children have developed brain swelling, a rare but dangerous complication of measles.
Local health authorities continue to encourage parents and guardians in Antigua and Barbuda to maintain high vaccination coverage, stressing that immunisation remains the most effective defence against the disease.
People love to question vaccines until outbreaks happen. Antigua and Barbuda’s immunisation programme has protected us for decades, and that shouldn’t be undermined by misinformation.
Prevention is better than cure
Strong public health systems protect everyone, especially the vulnerable.
We need to keep educating young parents. Some weren’t around when measles was common and don’t understand how dangerous it can be.
Herd immunity only works if people participate.
We indeed have a robust vaccination programme here. But I’ve always wondered how long a person is covered after vaccination.
If I got vaccinated as a teenager and I’m not in my 50’s am I still covered
These vaccinations are to ensure our life span is reduced. Back in the day Abraham and these men who lived for so long were not vaccinated…
This is one thing we should actually be proud of. Prevention doesn’t make headlines until it fails.