Barbados has activated heightened public health surveillance systems and intensified screening measures at its airport and seaport amid growing international concern over the latest ebola outbreak in Africa.
Health authorities have pointed out that while the risk to the island remains low, it is “not zero”.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Arthur Phillips said Government had formally moved to a “watching brief” following the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration, triggering a review and implementation of national preparedness plans for viral haemorrhagic fevers.
“The Ministry of Health and Wellness assesses the current risk to Barbados and the wider Caribbean as low, but not zero,” Phillips said.
“While there are no direct epidemiological links between the affected regions in Africa and the Caribbean, the risk of importation exists due to the region’s high connectivity through international travel,” he added.
The latest outbreak has prompted increased global monitoring after health officials in Africa reported confirmed cases and deaths linked to the virus, reviving memories of previous ebola crises which overwhelmed sections of West Africa and triggered international travel alerts and emergency responses. The WHO has since declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), leading countries worldwide to review border surveillance and infectious disease preparedness systems. Phillips disclosed that heightened monitoring was already in effect at the Grantley Adams International Airport and the Bridgetown Port, with authorities utilising enhanced travel screening systems to identify people who may have travelled through affected territories.
“At this time, there are no recommended travel restrictions or quarantine requirements for travellers. However, heightened port health surveillance is in effect and this includes enhanced, riskbased travel history screening using systems like the Advanced Passenger Information System,” he said.
The Acting CMO stressed that Barbados had the capacity to rapidly identify, isolate and contain any suspected ebola case should one arise locally.
“Existing clinical protocols are in place for the safe management of patients suspected of having an infectious disease,” he added.
Phillips gave the assurance that local medical facilities remained equipped with the necessary protective gear and isolation capabilities to manage suspected cases.
“The ministry is currently ensuring that adequate Personal Protective Equipment is available and that clear management protocols are maintained,” he said.
Early warning systems
Phillips said Barbados’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly strengthened its emergency response systems and public health coordination mechanisms.
“The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated Barbados’ resilience and innovation in responding to emerging health threats. Key lessons include the importance of maintaining high institutional trust and the effective use of integrated early warning systems such as the Tourism and Health Information System, which were refined during the pandemic.”
Barbados is also working closely with regional and international agencies, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the WHO, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and regional security agency IMPACS to facilitate regional monitoring, information sharing, and access to specialised laboratory networks.
While international concern over misinformation surrounding disease outbreaks has been increasing, Phillips said officials were not seeing any major issue locally.
“The strategy is to provide targeted, evidence-based messaging to preserve the high level of trust the public has in health professionals and Government agencies,” Phillips said.
He also urged Barbadians to familiarise themselves with the symptoms associated with ebola, noting that the disease has an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days and early symptoms included fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue and sore throat, while more advanced symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
He noted that systems such as the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System and the Tourism and Health Information System were providing real-time monitoring of cruise and tourism activity to identify any potential health irregularities.
Phillips added that while ebola testing was not conducted in Barbados, strict international protocols were in place to safely transport samples overseas. ( CLM)
