By Sue-Ann Wayow
MONKEYPOX is now deemed to be a dangerous infectious disease in Trinidad and Tobago.
On Thursday, Cabinet approved with immediate effect the recommendation of Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh to proclaim the monkeypox virus a dangerous infectious disease, in accordance with Section 103 of the Public Health Ordinance, Chap. 12 No. 4.
A release from the ministry on Thursday evening also stated that Cabinet has further approved the making of an Order by the Quarantine Authority to allow special measures to be taken in light of the emergency of the spread of the Monkeypox Virus and in particular, to allow for surveillance of the crew and passengers on board a ship of aircraft, for 21 days from the last date of possible exposure to infection, in accordance with Section 6 (1) of the Quarantine Act, Chapter 28:05.
The Attorney General is to prepare the necessary Orders to give effect to the above, the ministry stated.
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Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis -a virus transmitted to humans from animals or human to human with symptoms very similar but usually clinically less severe than those seen in smallpox patients.
The public is further advised that the main symptoms of monkeypox are fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated material such as bedding. The virus may also be transferred from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids and respiratory droplets.
The public should also note that to date, no case of the monkeypox virus has been confirmed in Trinidad and Tobago.
