The Cayman Islands Government says passengers travelling to Grand Cayman aboard a British Airways flight from London have been cleared by Bahamian health authorities after a public health scare involving two travellers with recent travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a statement issued late Thursday, officials confirmed that the scheduled Nassau-to-Grand Cayman leg of the flight was cancelled after the passengers were screened in The Bahamas.

Authorities said the concern arose after 2 Nassau-bound passengers were identified as having recently travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The individuals were subsequently placed in isolation.

The government stressed that there is no immediate threat to the Cayman Islands.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Hilary Wolf said the risk to the public remains low and noted that Cayman authorities have been coordinating closely with health officials in The Bahamas.

“We are confident that all appropriate public health protocols will be in place ahead of passengers’ arrival in Grand Cayman,” Wolf said.

The government said enhanced screening and surveillance measures will be implemented at Owen Roberts International Airport ahead of Friday’s arrivals.

According to officials, the measures will apply to all incoming flights, particularly passengers arriving from The Bahamas, and will include additional health screening questions for travellers coming from countries experiencing active Ebola outbreaks.

Passengers will also receive written guidance on symptoms and how to access health services if needed.

Minister responsible for Customs and Border Control Nickolas DaCosta said travellers should still expect a smooth process at the airport despite the added precautions.

“We continue to work with Public Health to implement appropriate measures and our officers will continue to process passengers as quickly as possible,” DaCosta said.

The Cayman Islands Government said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates if necessary.

The current Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo is caused by a rare strain of the virus, known as Bundibugyo.

It has no proven vaccine and kills about a third of those infected. 

So far, the outbreak has resulted in 177 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases.