According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox (Mpox) is a viral illness caused by the Monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Two (2) different clades exist: clade I and clade II. Monkeypox can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick. The WHO notes that anyone can get Monkeypox.
As of 20th July 2023, Trinidad and Tobago recorded four (4) cases of Monkeypox so far — all are male patients. In May 2022, a global outbreak of Monkeypox was caused by a strain known as clade IIb. The outbreak appeared suddenly and rapidly and spread across Europe, the Americas and then all six (6) WHO regions, with 111 countries reporting more than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths. The global outbreak has affected primarily (but not only) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and has spread person-to-person through sexual networks. The global outbreak of Monkeypox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 23rd July 2022. However, the WHO announced in May 2023 that Monkeypox is no longer a PHEIC, almost a year after the threat was raised. The virus is still around and further waves and outbreaks could continue, but the highest level of alert is over, the WHO added. The global health body's Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on countries to “remain vigilant.” Below are some important facts you should know about Monkeypox, according to the WHO. An outbreak of Monkeypox is occurring in many countries:
Symptoms of Monkeypox often include:
You can catch Monkeypox through close contact with someone who has symptoms including:
Protect yourself from Monkeypox:
Monkeypox can spread through sex:
If you think you have Monkeypox:
[Source: WHO]
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The Ministry of Health is informing the public that a fourth case of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today (Thursday 20th July 2023). The patient is a young adult male.
The Ministry said the relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Ministry is reminding the public to follow the general hygiene principles such as frequent handwashing and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces. Persons experiencing signs or symptoms of Mpox should visit the nearest health facility. The Ministry said 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/monkeypox. The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The third case was recorded less than a week later, on 17th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history; the second case was a young adult male and the third case was a young adult male with a recent travel history. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. As Trinidad and Tobago records its third Monkeypox (Mpox) case, the Ministry of Health is reminding the population of the systems implemented to manage the outbreak.
In a Media Release this morning (Tuesday 18th July 2023), the Ministry notes the first case in this current global outbreak was identified in May 2022 and peaked in August 2022. During this period the Ministry said it ensured that all protocols for testing, contact tracing and isolation were implemented, inclusive of sensitization of medical professionals. The Caura Hospital was also designated as the facility to care for any patient that may require hospitalization if necessary. The Ministry said, “It should be noted that all three (3) cases of the Mpox virus are in home isolation and do not require Hospital care at this time. Additionally, 2,800 doses of the vaccine were procured to be administered to non-symptomatic close contacts and healthcare professionals in any facility where a patient would be warded. To date, no vaccines have been administered.” With three (3) cases to date, Trinidad and Tobago is now the 113th country to record active cases, with most cases occurring in the Region of the Americas and Europe. The Ministry is reiterating that Mpox is a “self-limiting disease in most instances, and it is commonly spread by close contact with a positive case.” The Ministry advises that through its health surveillance network, it will continue to monitor the current cases of Mpox locally, regionally and internationally. “Furthermore, the Ministry will continue to update the public with all relevant information whilst adhering to the principles of patient confidentiality.” The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history while the second case was a young adult male. The Ministry of Health announced a short while ago this evening (Monday 17th July 2023) that a third case of the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today. The patient is a young adult male with a recent travel history.
The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiology investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Ministry said 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/monkeypox. The Ministry announced the first case on 11th July 2023 and the second case was announced a day later on 12th July 2023. The first case was a middle-aged male with travel related history while the second case was a young adult male. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. Subsequent to the update provided yesterday (Tuesday 11th July 2023), the Ministry of Health is advising that a second case of Monkeypox (Mpox) virus was confirmed via laboratory testing earlier today (Wednesday 12th July 2023). The Ministry said the patient is a young adult male.
The relevant County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is currently conducting an epidemiology investigation and has initiated the local public health response, which includes home isolation and contact tracing for the patient. The Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) update (as at 4th July 2023), 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths. The Mpox 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 (2) to four (4) 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 said 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/monkeypox. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Health announced a short while ago this evening (Tuesday 11th July 2023) that the first confirmed case of Monkeypox virus was detected in Trinidad and Tobago today.
The Ministry said the patient is a middle-aged male with travel related history. He was tested earlier today 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 Ministry is taking this opportunity to remind the public that the Mpox virus continues to circulate worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) update (as at 4th July 2023), 88,144 cases have been detected globally amongst 112 countries and there has been a total of 149 deaths. The Mpox 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 (2) to four (4) 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 public is also reminded to maintain good hygiene practices such as hand washing or sanitizing where appropriate. The Ministry is reminding the public that the Mpox vaccine is available in Trinidad and Tobago. However, at this time, it would be utilized for contacts of known positives only. The Ministry said 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. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. The Ministry of Health is advising the general public that Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, is no longer considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The advisory was issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) after the fifth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee, held on Wednesday (10th May 2023), regarding the multi-country outbreak of Mpox.
In a Media Release yesterday (Thursday 11th May 2023), the Ministry said the Committee noted the sustained decline in reported cases globally and thus WHO concurred with the advice that the event no longer constitutes a PHEIC. The Committee also recognized a 90% decline in reported cases within the last three (3) months. However, they noted that the virus continues to be transmitted within certain communities. While there were no confirmed cases of this virus in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry said it will “remain vigilant” through its surveillance programmes directed against Monkeypox and all other infectious diseases to safeguard the health of the public. The Ministry advises it will continue to keep the public updated as necessary. Trinidad and Tobago received an additional 1,400 doses of the World Health Organization (WHO) approved ‘Mpox’ vaccines on Thursday (15th December 2022). The Ministry of Health said in a Media Release that this completes the receipt of 2,800 doses of the two-dose ‘Mpox’ vaccines and would allow the vaccination of 1,400 persons, as per the WHO interim guidelines.
The first batch of 1,400 doses of ‘Mpox’ vaccines arrived in the country on Tuesday (13th December 2022). In late November 2022, the WHO introduced the preferred terminology ‘Mpox’ as a synonym for Monkeypox. In keeping with the WHO interim guidelines dated 16th November 2022, which can be found at https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/WHO-MPX-Immunization, individuals who meet the criteria, as listed below, would be eligible:
The County Medical Officers of Health (CMOHs) will actively reach out to persons who are deemed contacts, to offer vaccinations to these individuals as a mass vaccination campaign would not be utilized at this time. The Ministry concluded its Media Release by saying, “The Government of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to safeguarding the health of the population and will continue to provide safe and effective WHO-approved vaccines to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” Trinidad and Tobago received 1,400 doses of the World Health Organization (WHO) approved ‘Mpox’ vaccines on Tuesday (13th December 2022). The Ministry of Health said in a Media Release on Wednesday that this is the first of two (2) shipments via the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) vaccine acquisition platform.
The second shipment of 1,400 doses is scheduled to arrive in the country in the near future. The Ministry said that this would amount to a total of 2,800 doses of the two-dose ‘Mpox’ vaccines available locally. It should be noted that in late November 2022, the WHO introduced the preferred terminology ‘Mpox’ as a synonym for Monkeypox. The Ministry said it will adopt the WHO interim guidelines, dated 16th November 2022, which can be found at https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/WHO-MPX-Immunization — as it relates to use of these vaccines. The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), upon review of these interim guidelines, has recommended that these vaccines will be administered as follows:
As such, the Ministry notes that only individuals who meet the above criteria would be eligible and therefore a mass vaccination campaign would not be utilized at this time. Further, the Ministry advises that the County Medical Officers of Health (CMOHs) will actively reach out to persons who are deemed contacts, to offer vaccinations to these individuals. The Ministry concluded its Media Release by saying, “The Government of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to safeguarding the health of the population and will continue to provide safe and effective WHO approved vaccines to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” Guyana announced its first case of the Monkeypox virus today (Monday 22nd August 2022). The patient is a 57-year-old man who tested positive for the virus over the weekend and is currently isolated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Georgetown. According to News Room Guyana, the man is a public transportation driver. He is also a resident of Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica).
Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said on Monday that local authorities suspected that the man was infected over the weekend. He was tested locally as Guyana has developed the capacity to test for the Monkeypox virus. The man is said to have no recent travel history outside of Guyana and his ailment was at an advanced stage when he became hospitalized. He is expected to recover in fourteen (14) days. According to Dr. Anthony, “That patient has since been isolated and is stable.” He advised the public against panicking at the news and noted that Monkeypox is spread through close contact. The Health Minister is confident that Guyana’s Health Ministry has efficient systems in place now to deal with Monkeypox. “We had been looking at what had been happening in the world and (adopting) those measures and guidelines so that when recording our case, we can take those measures and guidelines and run with them,” Dr. Anthony said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox is a virus transmitted to humans from animals with symptoms similar to those experienced by Smallpox patients. Below is a list of confirmed Monkeypox cases in the Caribbean:
Trinidad and Tobago has not recorded any cases to date. [Source: News Room Guyana] |
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