MHES Boosts Screening & Surveillance at Cayman Ports of Entry

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability is closely monitoring the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

International health authorities, including the WHO, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and regional public health partners, have advised that there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the full number of cases, and several factors suggest the outbreak may be more extensive than currently reported.

The Ministry’s current assessment, in line with CARPHA and international health agencies, is that the public health risk to the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean region remains low.

CARPHA and regional partners have activated enhanced monitoring and travel-related screening measures at ports of entry across the region. These measures include strengthened surveillance systems, traveller screening protocols, and coordination with international public health agencies.

Locally, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability and the Public Health Department will implement enhanced screening and surveillance measures beginning Thursday, 21 May, for selected incoming flights at Owen Roberts International Airport. Measures will include increased monitoring of travellers arriving from affected areas, coordination with airport and border control partners, and targeted health questionnaires for persons who have recently travelled from countries affected by Ebola outbreaks.

Existing maritime public health and port surveillance protocols also remain active at ports of entry, including ongoing monitoring and health reporting requirements for cruise vessels and maritime operators.

The public is reminded Ebola is a severe viral illness spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials. Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Wolf said the Cayman Islands’ existing public health monitoring and response systems remain active and capable of responding should the situation evolve.

“While the current risk to the Cayman Islands remains low, the Ministry and Public Health Department continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with CARPHA and international public health partners. Existing surveillance and response measures remain in place to support early detection and protect public health,” Dr. Wolf said. “The Ministry and Public Health Department will continue to assess the situation in collaboration with regional and international public health partners, and response measures will be adjusted as necessary based on evolving public health risk assessments." Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams encouraged travellers to cooperate fully with any screening or monitoring measures introduced at ports of entry.

“Travellers play an important role in helping to protect public health. Persons who have recently travelled to affected areas should inform Customs and Border Control or public health personnel upon arrival, particularly if they feel unwell or believe they may have been exposed to Ebola Virus Disease. Early reporting helps reduce the risk of transmission and supports timely public health response.”

Travellers experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare personnel of their recent travel history.

For more information, contact the Public Health Department at 244-2621