The Ministry of Health is seeking to reassure residents that the risk of hantavirus infection in Antigua and Barbuda remains low, despite reports of three deaths connected to a cluster of respiratory illnesses aboard a cruise ship in the Central Atlantic Ocean.

According to information shared by the World Health Organization and regional health authorities, eight cases have so far been identified in connection with the incident. The cases include three confirmed infections, five suspected infections, and three fatalities.

The advisory, issued through the Caribbean Public Health Agency, has prompted local health officials to increase monitoring measures, particularly at ports of entry and within the cruise sector, given Antigua and Barbuda’s heavy dependence on tourism and maritime traffic.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs emphasized that there is currently no cause for alarm locally and stressed that the likelihood of widespread transmission in Antigua and Barbuda remains low.

Health officials explained that hantaviruses are generally spread through contact with infected rodents, particularly exposure to contaminated urine, saliva, or droppings. Authorities also noted that in the Americas, hantavirus infections are more commonly associated with wild field rodents rather than the urban rat populations typically found in Caribbean communities.

The Ministry further noted that human-to-human transmission is considered rare.

Officials say Antigua and Barbuda continues to work closely with regional and international public health agencies to monitor developments surrounding the outbreak and to maintain surveillance systems aimed at early detection and rapid response if necessary.

As part of preparedness efforts, public health measures for cruise vessels and other incoming ships are being reinforced. The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority has also been kept informed as authorities monitor the evolving situation.

Residents are being encouraged to continue practising proper sanitation and rodent control measures, including securely storing garbage, keeping surroundings clean, and avoiding direct contact with rodent waste.

The Ministry said it will continue providing updates to the public if there are any significant developments related to the outbreak.