Anguilla Reports Its First Local Case of West Nile Virus Ever

Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory located in the Eastern Caribbean, has recently reported its first locally acquired case of West Nile virus (WNV). According to a Facebook post from the Ministry of Health, Tourism, and Sports dated March 11, 2026, this confirmation marks the first documented human case of WNV in Anguilla.

WNV has been present in the Caribbean since at least 2002, when it was detected in birds in Guadeloupe. However, large-scale human epidemics similar to those in North America, including the United States, have not occurred as of March 13, 2026.

This news is concerning for the over 220,000 international travelers expected to visit Anguilla this year. WNV primarily circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which serve as its main hosts. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes; however, humans do not spread the virus to others.

Most WNV infections are mild or asymptomatic, with an overall mortality rate of about 1% among those infected.

To protect against the disease, the Ministry of Health advises residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take measures to prevent mosquito bites, as these are the most effective ways to safeguard themselves.

Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that no licensed vaccines or specific medications are available to prevent or treat WNV in humans. Fortunately, vaccine candidates for WNV have been tested in clinical trials.