Health Minister Michael Joseph says Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to reinstate thermal scanning and other enhanced screening measures at the airport as health officials respond to growing global concerns over the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Africa.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Joseph said the Ministry of Health is reviewing several precautionary measures aimed at strengthening surveillance at the country’s ports of entry, including the use of infrared cameras to detect elevated body temperatures among incoming travelers.
“We are looking at reinstating thermal scanners and additional monitoring measures,” Joseph said, while stressing that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in Antigua and Barbuda.
The minister said authorities are also examining stricter travel disclosure requirements, including recommendations for travelers to provide details of their travel history over an extended period.
“One of the things being considered is disclosure of travel within the last 45 days,” Joseph said.
According to the minister, temperature testing and enhanced monitoring systems would help health officials identify possible risks early and strengthen the country’s preparedness efforts.
Joseph also said the Ministry of Health would recommend travel restrictions involving Ebola-affected countries if the international situation deteriorates further.
“If the situation escalates, the Ministry of Health would make recommendations relating to travel restrictions from affected countries,” he said.
The minister noted that Antigua and Barbuda continues to follow guidance from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization while monitoring the evolving outbreak.
Joseph said many of the surveillance and response systems introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic remain active and can be adapted to address Ebola and other emerging infectious disease threats.
“We are preparing ourselves and ensuring that our systems are ready,” he said.
The minister sought to reassure the public that Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals and is not airborne.
He also urged residents not to spread misinformation online and encouraged the public to rely on official information from health authorities.
Healthcare workers and frontline personnel have already been updated on protocols for identifying, isolating and responding to suspected Ebola cases, Joseph added.