A visiting traveller has died after contracting malaria following arrival in Antigua and Barbuda from a malaria-endemic country, health authorities confirmed Friday.
Minister of Health Michael Joseph disclosed the development during a national health briefing, where officials also confirmed two imported malaria cases had been identified in recent days.
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 battled to stabilize the patient over several days, but his condition worsened and he died while hospitalized.
Authorities said the traveller had spent approximately five days in Antigua and Barbuda and is believed to have either arrived with symptoms already developing or fallen ill almost immediately after arrival.
Health officials stressed that the infection was not contracted locally. 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. That individual received treatment after becoming ill and has since departed the country.
Minister Joseph extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that the country's surveillance and mosquito-control systems have been intensified as a precautionary measure. Public health teams have increased monitoring operations across several areas as authorities work to prevent any possible spread.
