Trinidad’s health authorities confirm first case of monkeypox virus
July 12, 2023 -Trinidad and Tobago has reported its first case of the Monkeypox virus, according to health authorities.
The patient, a middle-aged man with a history of international travel, tested positive for the virus after being tested on Tuesday.
The sample was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for further analysis.
Public health response
In response to the confirmed case, the County Medical Officer of Health has initiated a public health response, which includes contact tracing. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Monkeypox virus continues to circulate globally, as reported by the World Health Organization. As of July 4, there have been 88,144 cases across 112 countries, resulting in 149 deaths. The virus can cause a range of illnesses, from mild to severe, and is primarily transmitted through close contact or respiratory droplets.
Monkeypox signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Monkeypox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting two to four weeks, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Health authorities have advised individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
They have also emphasized the importance of practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand-washing and sanitization, to prevent further spread of the virus.
