Visitor Dies After Imported Malaria Infection in Antigua and Barbuda

Published
Health Minister Micheal Joseph

A visiting traveller who recently arrived in Antigua and Barbuda from a malaria-endemic country has died after contracting the mosquito-borne illness, health authorities confirmed Friday.

Minister of Health Michael Joseph disclosed the development during a national health briefing, where officials also revealed that two imported malaria cases have been identified in recent days.

According to the Ministry of Health, the deceased male visitor became critically ill shortly after entering the country and was rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for treatment.

Medical personnel reportedly battled to stabilize the patient over several days, but his condition worsened and he later died while hospitalized.

Authorities said the traveller had spent only about five days in Antigua and Barbuda and is believed to have either arrived with symptoms already developing or became ill almost immediately after arrival.

Health officials stressed that the infection was not contracted locally and there is currently no evidence of community spread or local transmission within Antigua and Barbuda.

A second imported case involving another male traveller was also confirmed. Officials said that individual received treatment after becoming sick and has since departed the country.

Minister Joseph expressed condolences to the family of the deceased while assuring the public that the country’s surveillance and mosquito-control systems have been intensified out of caution.

Public health teams have reportedly increased monitoring operations in several areas as authorities work to prevent any possible spread.

This story was first published by Antigua News on May 22, 2026: antigua.news/2026/05/22/visitor-dies-after-imported-malaria-infection-in-antigua-and-barbuda. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (15)

  • Gillian Coipel May 22, 2026, 5:12 PM

    We’re these persons not immunized against the disease
    Reply
  • Gillian Coipel May 22, 2026, 5:14 PM

    Were these people not immunized against malaria?
    Reply
  • Better Info May 22, 2026, 5:16 PM

    Why aren’t we being told the exact date of entry into Antigua as well as the country the deceased and other infected individual came from or traveled here from? Also, include information on the symptoms and treatment for Malaria.
    Reply
  • Commenting from the distance May 22, 2026, 5:20 PM

    There is no vaccine for Malaria.
    Reply
  • WTF May 22, 2026, 5:29 PM

    He had to have come into Antigua with malaria , since there’s an incubation period of about 10 days after the bite.
    That says to me ; In this age of highly communicable and infectious diseases our borders, customs and immigration,,, needs to be fortified against these types of entries.
    Reply
    • Concerned May 22, 2026, 6:21 PM

      Do the immigration forms ask where you have been in the last ??? days prior to travel? Do they ask about your exposure to specific listed diseases? The answers would have alerted immigration. Also, did any of the two get bitten by mosquitos while here? Can local mosquitos ingest the pathogen that causes malaria and cause it to become endemic here in Antigua?
      Reply
    • FITZROY BARNES May 22, 2026, 9:52 PM

      Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, does anyone know which variety of mosquitos are common in Antigua? If memory Sserves me correctly its the ANOPHELES MOSQUITO that spreads Malaria.Then again it is only the females.
      Reply
  • Roseann Pile May 22, 2026, 5:53 PM

    Did all the infected come to Antigua from the same country? What are the countries?
    Reply
  • Sigh May 22, 2026, 7:02 PM

    Wow. That’s frightening. Very frightening. Not the news I was expecting to read tonight
    Reply
  • Juju Bee May 22, 2026, 11:17 PM

    Wow. This is real sad. I hope the nurses and DR’s took all precautions to protect themselves
    Reply
  • Informed citizen May 23, 2026, 8:19 AM

    Lets not panic and hope no one else is infected and dies
    Reply
  • Ash May 23, 2026, 9:22 AM

    Yikes!!!! Im having chills
    Reply
  • Jhodie May 23, 2026, 4:33 PM

    How severe is the condition of the other guy. We need to know
    Reply
  • Concerned Antiguan May 26, 2026, 2:51 PM

    Aye antigua be careful.
    Reply
  • SAMUEL KWAME AGBAH May 26, 2026, 8:17 PM

    Malaria is contagious. It can only be transmitted from mosquito bite, and it’s treatable too. Synthons include fever, headache, vomiting, lack of appetite, bitterness in the mouth> Untreated malaria for a long period of time can lead to meningitis of the brain or madness.
    Reply

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