TRINIDAD and Tobago has detected its first case of the monkeypox virus, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
The ministry stated in a press release around 6 pm on Tuesday that the detection was made the same day.
The patient is a middle-aged male with travel-related history.
He was tested earlier on Tuesday and the sample was then sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) laboratory via the Trinidad Public Health Lab.
The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has initiated the local public health response, which includes contact tracing, the release stated.
The ministry reminds the public that the Monkeypox vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago at this time, but it would be utilised for contacts of known positives.
The ministry also reminded citizens to maintain good hygiene practices such as hand washing or sanitising where appropriate.
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) update as at July 4, 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths.
The Monkeypox virus can range from mild disease to severe illness and is spread through close contact or through respiratory droplets. Common signs and symptoms may include a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last two to four weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to visit their nearest health facility, the ministry advised.
The Ministry of Health stated it will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary.
Further information on the Monkeypox virus can be found on the Ministry’s website at www.health.gov.tt
