ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government has announced new measures aimed at enhancing public health safety amid concerns regarding the deadly outbreaks of hantavirus, ebola and malaria in several parts of the world.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Thursday said that following the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that ebola has now become a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), it assesses that the current risk to the Caribbean region is low.

“Despite the low risk, CARPHA is urging its member states to maintain a high state of readiness. Because the Caribbean is a major global travel hub, the primary way the virus could arrive is through an infected traveller,” said Dr Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s executive director.