Strong vaccination coverage continues to protect Antigua and Barbuda from measles, according to government officials.

Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed there are no measles cases locally.

He spoke during last week’s Cabinet press briefing.

At the same time, Merchant noted measles cases are rising quickly in several countries.

However, he stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains resilient against the disease.

Importantly, Merchant credited the country’s strong national vaccination programme for this success.

He explained that all children in Antigua and Barbuda receive routine measles immunisation.

As a result, community protection remains high across the twin-island state.

Moreover, Merchant said parents and guardians understand the importance of vaccination.

According to him, their cooperation plays a major role in disease prevention.

“Parents and guardians recognise the importance of ensuring their children are vaccinated,” Merchant said.

He added that measles would have been eradicated locally because of immunisation.

Furthermore, he said any occurrence of the disease remains extremely small.

Meanwhile, his comments come as measles spreads widely in the United States.

In particular, South Carolina is facing a major outbreak.

As of February 3, 2026, confirmed cases there reached 876.

Notably, that figure surpassed the 2025 outbreak in Texas.

Consequently, it marks the largest U.S. measles outbreak since 2000.

That was the year measles was declared eliminated in the United States.

Additionally, health officials in South Carolina raised serious concerns.

They warned about dangerous complications linked to the outbreak.

According to a Wired report, some infected children developed brain swelling.

This complication is rare but potentially life-threatening.

The state’s epidemiologist confirmed those cases on February 4.

Against this backdrop, local health officials remain vigilant.

They continue urging parents and guardians to keep vaccination rates high.

Moreover, they stress that immunisation is the strongest defence against measles.

Health authorities say prevention remains far better than treatment.

Therefore, maintaining routine childhood vaccinations remains a national priority.

In conclusion, Antigua and Barbuda’s vaccination programme continues to protect its population.

For now, the country remains measles-free despite regional and global outbreaks.