No Monkeypox Cases Confirmed in the Caribbean: CARPHA
In the Caribbean region, there have been no confirmed cases of monkeypox to date. In spite of this, the risk of spreading to the Caribbean Region is high as travel is returning to pre-COVID-19 levels. The CARPHA Member States should raise awareness among frontline health workers and be on the alert for possible importations so they can initiate an immediate public health response,” said Dr Joy St. John, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
CARPHA has signed an agreement with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to refer suspected samples from our Member States for testing while we are in the process of procuring the necessary reagents to be able to implement molecular testing for Monkeypox (PCR).
Results may be received between 10-14 days after the arrival of samples at CARPHA once referred to CDC. In the interim, a commercial kit, Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) Real-Time PCR Kit (RUO) produced by BioPerfuctus Technologies is in transit and once received it will be verified for immediate use.
If the Member States have suspected cases, they should contact CARPHA for information on sending suspect samples.
Dr Lisa Indar, Director of Disease Surveillance Prevention and Control urges the Member States to remain vigilant for the importation of viral or other infections and monitor in-country syndromic surveillance systems for increases in fever and rash illnesses.
Additionally, Member States should enhance surveillance and case investigation for Monkeypox; alert Port Health Officials to be vigilant for possible cases entering the country and develop and disseminate public education materials on Monkeypox as a re-emerging zoonosis.
The availability of the smallpox vaccine in the CARPHA Member States may be limited given that smallpox was declared eradicated by the WHO in 1980, and it has been more than 40 years since all countries ceased routine smallpox vaccination with vaccinia-based vaccines.
Symptoms of Monkeypox include exhaustion, fever, headache, backache, muscle ache, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. If you have close physical contact with someone who is showing symptoms, you can get Monkeypox. This includes touching and being face-to-face.
Dr St. John advises that people should avoid having close contact with anyone who has symptoms. Persons should protect themselves by:
Practising good hand hygiene – clean hands, objects, and surfaces that have been touched regularly
Avoiding skin to skin or face-to-face contact, including sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms
If you think that you may have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with the virus, contact your physician for advice, and medical care.
CARPHA is monitoring the spread of the disease and the scientific understanding of prevention and control as it evolves over time.
Should Monkeypox be identified in the Region, CARPHA will test samples from suspected cases, monitor the spread and provide assistance to its Member States through the creation of tools for investigation and epidemiological monitoring, and personnel are prepared to respond in the country to assist in the investigation and control of a Monkeypox outbreak, should the need arise.