Bermuda confirms first Monkeypox case
Bermuda has become the latest Caribbean country to confirm a case of the Monkeypox virus. At the same time, St. Lucia said it is monitoring six suspected cases, including four with no travel history out of the island.
The virus has been detected in The Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados.
The Bermuda Ministry of Health, which is working in collaboration with overseas agencies on the case, is investigating potential close contacts of the patient, a spokeswoman said on Thursday night.
The virus, which causes flu-like illness and a rash, has spread in many communities outside Africa since a cluster of infections was identified in Britain in early May.
The ministry said in May that the island was alert for virus cases.
Acting Health Minister, Jason Hayward, said in a statement, “Monkeypox is rare, not life-threatening and Bermuda is well prepared to detect the disease and take suitable public health measures to prevent its spread.
“The Ministry of Health has provided guidance for primary care providers and the Bermuda Molecular Diagnostics and Research Laboratory lab on sample handling. The hospital also has appropriate isolation facilities to support treatment.”
Hayward said that the ministry was working with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the UK Health Security Agency.
“Our port health officials know how to screen and recognise possible cases and take appropriate action. Our healthcare professionals know how to identify, immediately isolate and report cases to local and regional health authorities.”
Monkeypox may take five to 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. Most people recover within several weeks without requiring hospital treatment.
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