Health authorities in The Bahamas implemented public health surveillance measures at Lynden Pindling International Airport after two passengers aboard a British Airways flight were found to have recently traveled to Africa before arriving in the country.
In a statement issued Friday, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said the passengers had spent approximately three weeks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before traveling to Ethiopia and then onward to The Bahamas on a flight originating from London Heathrow Airport.
The move comes as international health agencies respond to a worsening Ebola outbreak in Central Africa that has spread across parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring Uganda. The World Health Organization earlier this month declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
According to the WHO, the outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. As of May 21, health officials had reported 746 suspected cases and 176 suspected deaths in the Congo, along with confirmed cases in Uganda.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a health advisory warning clinicians and travelers about the outbreak, while maintaining that the risk of international spread remains low.
Bahamian officials said that upon the aircraft’s arrival in New Providence, health teams immediately activated established protocols, including placing the two passengers in isolation. Other passengers and crew members were also assessed.
The ministry said enhanced contact tracing information was collected from all passengers and crew, while further assessments would be conducted in line with national and international health guidelines.
Officials also confirmed that infection prevention and control measures are being maintained and stressed that no confirmed infections have been identified at this time.
“Based on the information currently provided to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the risk to the public is low,” the ministry said.
The statement added that monitoring and evaluation activities remain ongoing and updates will be provided if necessary.
