The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition says it is closely monitoring the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa and strengthening surveillance measures, even as regional health authorities assess the risk to the Caribbean as low.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17. It is concentrated in eastern DRC and Uganda, particularly the capital city of Kampala, and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific treatments.
As of May 27, there were 1 018 cases and 234 deaths linked to the outbreak, with the vast majority reported in the DRC.
In a statement on Monday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharon Belmar-George stressed that there are currently no cases of Ebola in the Caribbean.
“The current risk of this disease to the Caribbean is assessed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency as low,” she said.
However, officials warned that the disease could still be introduced through international travel, making vigilance essential.
“Although at present, this event is not classified as a pandemic, coordinated international action is required,” Dr Belmar-George said.
To strengthen preparedness, the ministry said surveillance is being enhanced at ports of entry, including travel history screening. Health authorities are also reviewing national preparedness plans, reinforcing infection prevention and control measures, assessing personal protective equipment supplies and providing training and sensitisation for healthcare workers.
The ministry said testing capacity for Ebola is not currently available in the Caribbean and that it is working with regional public health agencies to coordinate sample collection and transfer to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta if testing becomes necessary.
Officials are also planning meetings with stakeholders in the health, tourism, education and business sectors to improve coordination and preparedness.
According to the ministry, the Health Education and Communication Unit is developing a risk communication plan aimed at providing the public with accurate information about the disease, including how to recognise symptoms and follow national health guidelines.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated materials or infected wildlife. Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.
