By Chantalé Fletcher
EIGHT people tested for Monkeypox in Trinidad and Tobago were negative.
This was revealed by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at his ministry’s virtual media conference on Wednesday.
He said that T&T was also trying to get 2,000 Monkeypox vaccines. He said it was a two-dose vaccine so it will be used to innoculate 1,000 people. He said it will be administered to people who were in close contact with those who contracted the virus.
To date, there has not been a case of Monkeypox in the country.
Deyalsingh said there was no firm date of arrival and no confirmation of the price but said that T&T had placed a “very early order” through Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for the vaccines.
He urged the public to continue to be vigilant and be aware of the symptoms of the virus.
Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated material such as bedding. As well as from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids and respiratory droplets.
On June 23, the Ministry of Health declared the monkeypox virus a dangerous infectious disease, in accordance with Section 103 of the Public Health Ordinance, Chap. 12 No. 4.
