WHO declares Antigua and Barbuda ‘Zika-free’

The Caribbean islands, both popular honeymoon destinations, have been removed from the WHO’s Zika virus country classification scheme.

The move come after the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) confirmed transmission of the virus in the Caribbean had been interrupted for more than a year, or had fallen to undetectable levels, therefore posing “very little risk” to residents and visitors.

CARPHA’s findings have been corroborated by data from Canada, the UK, Europe and the US, said the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

This data showed no Zika detected for more than 12 months in travellers returning from the Caribbean to these countries.

Antigua and Barbuda’s last confirmed case of Zika was in November 2016. None have been detected since.

Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda minister of tourism, said: “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of visitors to our shores, and we look forward to welcoming all our visitors inclusive of honeymooners, and families as they can now travel with peace of mind to Antigua and Barbuda.”